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At the intersection of information technology and political journalism stands a seasoned Rutgers Univeristy employee who has devoted his career to not one, but two fields of interest. Meet Tibor Purger, the director of information technology for the School of Social Work and a lecturer in the Department of Political Science. Purger has been working at the university for 14 years and possesses a unique skill set that led him to create the first-ever website for the Brookings Institution and serve as a White House correspondent.
How did you get started working in information technology?
I have an undergraduate background in applied mathematics and a graduate degree in computer science. But then, I fell in love with a journalist, so we got married and I veered off into political journalism. I returned to IT in the ’90s as it was the best way to secure a living—now, I get to combine both skills in my work at Rutgers.
Where did your interest in political science originate?
My passion for political science stemmed from my journalistic journey and growing up in a politicized society in California in the ‘70s. I became invested in how politics work and was able to meet many world leaders including Richard Nixon. I also think this interest comes from my fascination with information and communication, which have always been intertwined in my life.
Can you talk about your experience as a White House correspondent?
It was an impactful time as I was able to closely follow the wars occurring in my home country. I came to the United States as a foreign correspondent on a press visa from the former Yugoslavia and was a correspondent for several years, the only one at the time with a White House pass from a former socialist country.
Almost daily I was running between the State Department and White House to cover briefings, and I was able to attend the peace conference that ended the Bosnian war. I also met President Clinton and was able to ask a few questions in the Oval Office.
How did you find your way back into the IT realm?
When the war broke out in my country, my media organization could not sustain my work here, so I leaned back into my applied mathematics background and got a job working as a research programmer at the Brookings Institution in the ‘90s.
Are there any accomplishments from this role that stand out to you?
I created the first website for the Brookings Institution in 1994 and the first learning management system in 1999. I am very proud of that work to this day, and was always interested in what they were doing as a think tank. I thought my budding IT skills and interest in politics combined neatly in this role.
What has your experience been like at Rutgers working in IT and teaching political science?
In both my roles at the university, it’s all about people. I consider people to be the number one factor in IT today and most of my days are filled with communication. As a professor, I also spend a lot of time corresponding with my students. Teaching is amazing and I love being able to connect with the students in a field I am passionate about.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do, I love traveling, photography, and playing tennis. One of my favorite trips I’ve ever been on was to Spain—there is no place in that country where you are not amazed. I also spend a lot of time reading about politics that I’m personally interested in.
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