After weeks of searching, a new director of Academic Information Technologies has yet to be found, university officials said.

Benjamin Allen, provost and vice president for academic affairs early this month that Dorothy Lewis will resign her position as director of the office of Academic Information Technologies (AIT).

Lewis has been with Iowa State for 23 years, she said.

“I started in test and evaluation services and moved along through various jobs and finally got to where I am today,” Lewis said.

Lewis’ resignation goes into effect June 30. Allen said he plans to name a new director within the next few days.

“I have been meeting with the management team for AIT and they have been giving me recommendations,” Allen said. “I am now in the process of going through them.”

The basic function of the new director is to help AIT invest in the right information technologies for learning, research and outreach, Allen said. The new director will also need a clear vision for information technology.

John Kingland, director of telecommunications, said he has high hopes for the new director.

“I hope he or she will continue along the same direction as Lewis,” Kingland said.

AIT provides research, instruction and general services to various colleges and departments of the university, Lewis said. AIT also offers use of high-performance computers to students and faculty and often sells computers at a low cost to buyers, he said.

AIT provides a computer solution center, e-mail services and student labs, Lewis said.

“There are currently 23,000 unique people using Webmail, which was developed [at AIT],” Lewis said.

Lewis said she has enjoyed her time at Iowa State.

“There are wonderful people here to work with,” she said. “The staff at AIT is fabulous. They are wonderful, dedicated and make being a director easy and fun.”

Not only does Lewis appreciate her co-workers, but she also finds her job very gratifying, she said.

“It’s very fulfilling seeing the progress you can have with other organizations and individuals,” Lewis said.

Allen said Lewis’ leadership helped AIT maintain quality services.

“Lewis has done an outstanding job,” Allen said.

One key advancement Lewis made was in working with Maury Hope, director of administrative information systems and Kingland, Allen said. Lewis worked diligently with Hope and Kingland to bring the three offices together.

Lewis was very supportive of students and computers in the residence halls, Allen said.

“She was instrumental in creating the solution center and improving customer service,” Kingland said. “She had a strong role in collaborating with other campus providers.”

Lewis said it is time for her to do things she can’t do with a full-time job.

“I want to do more public service and volunteering,” she said.

Lewis said she serves on the Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Board, providing services for needy people and has been preparing to volunteer at the Ames Animal Shelter.

She also serves on several other boards and volunteers in other ways.

“I would also like to have more personal time,” she said.