Kelly Gafford
Teaching Experience
Versatile IT professional with a broad skill set encompassing network infrastructure, server management, and 18+ years of experience teaching a range of IT subjects. Adept at translating complex technical concepts into engaging and accessible lessons. Motivated to inspire and guide students as they navigate the dynamic world of technology.
Courses taught for Austin Community College include:
- ITSC-1307 UNIX Operating System I Specialization Consistently received high student evaluations for clear explanations and engaging teaching style.
- ITSC-2337 UNIX Operating Systems II Specialization Consistently received high student evaluations for clear explanations and engaging teaching style.
- ITNW-1325 Fundamentals of Networking Technologies Specialization
- ITNW-1354 Implementing and Supporting Servers: Windows 2008 Specialization
- BCIS-1305 Business Computer Applications
- ITSC-1325 Personal Computer Hardware
- ITNW-2312 Routers
- ITNW-2305 Network Administration Novell Netware
- ITNW-2321 Networking with TCP/IP
- ITSY-2301 Firewalls and Network Security
Work Experience
Austin Community College Associate Professor Austin, TX
8/2016 – Present
Instruct Associate-level students in Linux Operating System, Linux System Administration, Windows Server 2003/2008, Windows Server 2003/2008 Active Directory, Networking Application Services and Security, and Network Development Capstone Project courses. Develop lectures, course work, and exams to measure student performance.
Whole Foods Market Associate Systems Administrator Austin, TX
8/2016 – 1/8/18
Manage and maintain the central Data Center for the organization including the organizations off site Data Center. Primary responsibilities include decommissioning servers, physical and virtual. Perform physical server firmware patching as well as software patching. Act as backup on call response for Technical Operations and primary on call for Data Center related failures including power and cooling within the data center. Explore methods for shortening physical builds including using products such as Puppet, Saltstack and Chef.
ITT Technical Institute Chair, School of Information Technology Austin/Waco, TX
3/2004 – 12/2016
Instruct Associate-level students in Linux Operating System, Linux System Administration, Java I and II, Social Media Development, Web Based Technologies (HTML/CSS and Javascript), Active Directory, Networking Application Services and Security, and Network Development Capstone Project courses. Instruct Bachelor-level students in Security Policies and Implementation Issues, User Authentication Systems and Role-Based Security, and Securing Linux Platforms and Applications courses. Manage school of information technology and guided students to degree completion. Hiring of qualified instructors and assisted them in faculty development. Maintain developed curriculum and assisted in the transition from 4.0 credit hour classes to 4.5 credit hour classes. Worked with registrar to develop schedule including instructor fit and student class schedule.
Other positions held: System Support Technician, Adjunct Instructor
Jarrell ISD Technology Director Jarrell, TX
7/2013 – 2/2016
Manage all aspects of the Technology department including hiring of qualified personnel. Work with Vendors to assist in District Technology initiatives. Managed a department of 3 IT Technicians as well as 5 facilities techs. Redesigned and implemented a new technology infrastructure including installation of layer 3 switches and migrated Windows 2003 servers to Windows 2008/2012. Domain reorganization and implementation of backups to ensure the integrity of district data is maintained. Implemented RADIUS at the High School and Middle School and ensured wireless network coverage throughout the district. Managed department budget and worked with ERATE consultant to ensure maximum District funding.
Other positions held: Interim Facilities Director
Professional Publications
Gafford, K. S. (2024). Exploring College Withdrawal and Failure Rates in ADHD Students: A Qualitative Study (Order No. 31299495). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ National University; ProQuest One Academic. (3077713887). https://www.proquest.com/docview/3077713887?sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses
Published: March 13, 2026