In this edition of the HEUG Famous Blog Interview, we are thrilled to spotlight Buddy Combs, a true HEUG veteran who has dedicated nearly 30 years to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). Buddy’s journey with HEUG began in 2001, when he was selected to join his institution’s PeopleSoft implementation team. What started as a leap of faith—boarding a plane for the first time to attend the Special Interest Group (SIG) conference in Dallas—has blossomed into a deep and impactful involvement with HEUG that spans over two decades. From presenting at his first conference in 2002 to serving multiple terms on the HEUG Board of Directors, Buddy has been a steadfast contributor to the community, sharing his insights and learning from others along the way. His experiences reflect not only a commitment to his institution but also a passion for the collaborative spirit that defines HEUG. As we dive into his story, Buddy shares his favorite HEUG memories, his views on the value of the community, and the profound impact HEUG has had on his professional journey.
Where do you work? How long have you been there?
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), and this October I will be
celebrating 30 years of service to the students, faculty, and staff of the Commonwealth.
Are you working on-site, remotely, or hybrid? What has that experience been like for you?
Officially our office is three days on-site and two days remotely (so hybrid), however since June of 2020 I been back in the office five days a week. I found that I am not very productive at the house as I have way too many distractions. Plus, I like the separation of work from the house. The flexibility is great and sometimes I have taken advantage of remote work for those times when you have a delivery, or a repair and you are given a three-to-four-hour window for arrival.
What Student or ERP system do you work in, and what modules do you primarily work with?
We are a PeopleSoft shop, Finance, HCM, Campus Solutions and at one time Contributor Relations. Currently I would say I primarily work with Finance and Campus Solutions (Student Financials). However, these days I dabble in them all in my current role, but by no means an expert in all of them.
When did you get involved with HEUG? How did that happen?
My involvement with HEUG began in February 2001. KCTCS started implementing PeopleSoft in 1999 and at that time I was working for one of our local colleges and was selected as a team member to implement the HCM module. Our System Office had an opening for a functional lead for the Financial Module, I applied and on my first day in February 2001 my supervisor came into my office (former storage closet) and placed an airline ticket on my desk for what was then called the Special Interest Group (SIG) conference in Dallas, Texas. I had never been on an airplane before and was rethinking the position. Glad I bit the bullet and got on that plane.
In what capacities have you been involved with HEUG?
There have been several over the years. I did my first presentation with HEUG in 2002 and have presented during several Alliance, International and Regional conferences. I volunteered for the Student Financial Product Advisory Group (yes back in the day we were called PAG’s, a term that is still used today, it is going to be awhile before that term is forgotten!). Back in the day the PAG’s went out to PeopleSoft headquarters in Pleasanton CA, and we worked directly with their strategist and developers, those were the days! I did my terms and rolled off. A few years later, I was invited back to serve out a vacant term on the SF PAG (kind like our current role of alternates) and then two years into my term I received a call from the Executive Director and current President of HEUG. They had a vacant position open on the HEUG Board of Directors, interviewed me and then a few weeks later I was appointed to the HEUG Board. After a year I was reappointed for an additional year and then was encouraged to run for a full seat on the Board for a three-year term. Will always be grateful for the membership electing me for a full seat and then again three years later.
Do you have a favorite or meaningful story regarding your time in HEUG?
There are many over the years it is a challenge to narrow down to just one. The one item over the years that is meaningful for me is when attending a session in the audience listening to how their college uses a certain function within PeopleSoft and they get to the conclusion of their presentation and on their slide show, they reference a past presentation on the same topic, and it happens to be one of my former sessions. For me that is what HEUG is all about, sharing our failures and triumphs so others can succeed. My favorite story is I think my third year with HEUG, and I was presenting (Third Party Contracts) for the first time by myself in this huge room at the MGM Grand, it had to seat over 150 people, and there were people standing in the back of the room. I was nervous as always, I started presenting and then about ten minutes into the presentation an individual came up to me (HEUG Famous as she will not be named) and stated there was a thumping coming through the sound in the room. It was my knee knocking against the podium due to my nerves. The room filled with some laughter, and it made me comfortable (less nervous) and I completed my session thumping free. This for me shows we (HEUG members) are all in this together and we are here to help each other.
What has been your favorite Conference location? Why?
Oh, this one is way too hard, I can immediately tell you which Conference was not my favorite, sorry Atlanta. I felt like I was playing Frogger in real life crossing the street between the two venues. If I must pick one US Conference location I would have to say Seattle. Both times there was this energy that was exciting. The first time it was in part that we were in a new venue something different from Las Vegas, Nashville and Orlando. Yes, there was this fear of nothing but rain, however that was not the case, the city was beautiful with lots of attractions within walking distance of the conference hotels. You had the sound with all the ferry boats, Pikes Public Market, the Space Needle, a wall of chewed gum, art galleries and tons of little cafes and bistros lined the city. The second time the excitement was even more elevated as we were back together after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. It was exciting to be back in person again.
What is your first HEUG related memory?
Other than getting on an airplane for the first time in my life, it would have to be the first conference in Dallas. This was literally my first time away from home and I was on my own. The conference was held at the Adams-Mark; however, our team booked our rooms at the Le Meriden Dallas by the Galleria. Well, when I got to my room and opened the curtains there was a full ice rink below, they blew me away. The next day the conference began, went through registration picked up my hard copy of the conference agenda, went into the ball room for breakfast (a full spread of food buffet style) and then started thumbing through to pick my sessions (those were the days!!). Then came lunch of which I did not really know what to expect after that fabulous breakfast, walked into the same ball room and tables were all set with white tablecloths and Mom’s perfect place setting of China and silver cutlery (maybe not real China or silver but it was to me). There was a house salad on the table with water and iced tea. We all found a seat then then we were served a full three course meal by the wait staff. Now this was my first real HEUG related memory. Oh by the way the sessions I attended were great as well, brought tons of information back to my institution.
What is YOUR value proposition for HEUG?
As a member of HEUG the value proposition for me as an employee of KCTCS is the sharing of information between higher education institutions across the globe. As a member we gain knowledge from other members, helping us in resolving issues that arise, providing a solution and the support we all need to ensure our institutions run efficiently. As a member of HEUG the value is access to tons of resources, information, and presentations from not only members institutions but our vendor partners as well. With all these tools at our disposal it helps guide our institutions to efficient processes which in turn provides the goal of Student Success. What makes HEUG special and worth your time is the value you receive not only professionally but personally. I mentioned earlier when someone references one of your presentations this validates the time you spent putting together a presentation and gives you that sense of worth.
Do you have a work-related philosophy you would like to share?
Overall, for me it will always be my accountability. I may over pride myself in this area, however I find taking responsibility for my decisions and actions builds trust with the individuals I work with and those who supervise me. Along with accountability I have found in my thirty years in higher education I’ve learned to be more adaptable to changes and adjust strategies at a moment’s notice. Now one would say higher ed is slow to adapt, however I have found that is not the case. The other items I pride myself on in my work philosophy are in no particular order would be, working collaboratively with others, always be open to learning new things (this one can place more of work load on you!), love to be creativity and trying innovation (this one is a challenge as we all struggle with change!) and finally my attempt to have a positive attitude (noticed I did say attempt!).
What new app/technology/platform is intriguing to you right now?
Will have to say AI, this technology is starting to consume us in higher education, and we are all exploring or grappling with the use of this new tool. For my role it how is we begin to leverage this technology to improve our day-to-day workflow like purchasing, accounts payable, updates to reviewing and updating policies and procedures so we can redirect these efforts spending more time one on one supporting our students. Not even going to touch the implications of the impact on AI with the academic side of higher ed.
As we conclude this edition, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Buddy for sharing his incredible journey with us. His dedication to HEUG and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System is truly inspiring. Buddy’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on a community when they give their time, knowledge, and passion. We are grateful for his many contributions over the years and for the wisdom he continues to share. Thank you, Buddy, for your unwavering commitment to HEUG and for being such a valued member of our community.