Leading When It Matters Most: The Full Circle Journey of Tuan Dinh at Menlo College

OculusIT, in partnership with Menlo College, shares the journey of Tuan Dinh, whose path from student and early campus contributor to Director of Information Technology reflects leadership shaped by service, growth, and long-term commitment to the institution.

As Menlo College’s trusted technology managed services partner, OculusIT works closely with Menlo’s leadership and campus community to support and strengthen the institution’s technology operations. Together, the focus remains on ensuring that students, faculty, and staff are supported by secure, reliable, and mission-driven technology systems that advance learning and innovation.

Just days before the spring semester was set to begin, severe flooding caused major damage to Brawner Hall, one of Menlo’s primary academic buildings. With the former Chief Information Officer on a planned vacation, the responsibility of leading Menlo’s Office of Information Technology fell to Tuan Dinh. There was no room for delay. Classes had to begin on schedule. Tuan stepped forward without hesitation.

“In moments of disruption, technology becomes more than systems and equipment — it becomes the foundation that keeps learning moving forward,” said Tuan Dinh. “I felt a deep responsibility to our students and faculty to ensure that campus was ready, no matter the challenge.”

For Tuan, moments like these define leadership more clearly than any title ever could. But the path that prepared him for that responsibility began years earlier, rooted not in authority or ambition, but in curiosity, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving others.

A Journey Built on Curiosity and Service

Tuan’s professional foundation began with a degree in Computer Science from California State University, Northridge, followed by early career experiences in demanding environments where accountability and reliability were essential.

However, the most defining chapter of Tuan’s growth began in June 2019, when he first joined the Menlo College community in a service-oriented role. Working closely with students, faculty, and staff revealed something deeply transformative: technology was never merely infrastructure; it was a vital force behind learning, momentum, and human connection across campus.

Leadership Through Responsibility

In August 2021, Tuan returned to Menlo as Help Desk Manager and Systems Administrator, leading a small IT team while mentoring student workers. His leadership style was quiet but powerful — rooted in preparation, trust, and accountability when things do not go as planned.

Recognizing his ambition and dedication, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Professor Mouwafac Sidaoui became one of Tuan’s strongest supporters.

“From the beginning, I found Tuan to be a people-centered professional — ambitious, curious, and always eager to learn and serve others,” said Professor Sidaoui. “His integrity and commitment to the Menlo community stood out immediately.”

In support of Tuan’s continued growth, Professor Sidaoui awarded him a full-ride scholarship to join Menlo’s inaugural Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) cohort in early 2024.

Balancing graduate study with full-time leadership further sharpened Tuan’s strategic thinking and reinforced his ability to align technology decisions with institutional priorities.

Leading When It Mattered Most

That preparation became critical during the Brawner Hall flooding crisis. With only days remaining before the semester was set to begin, Tuan coordinated the IT team and student workers to establish temporary classrooms across alternate campus locations over a single weekend.

Once repairs were completed, the work continued at full pace: fifteen classrooms were reinstalled and fully tested, two computer labs were rebuilt, and approximately sixty-five flood-damaged PCs were removed and replaced with new systems. Remarkably, the entire restoration effort was completed within just two days, allowing teaching and learning to resume without disruption by the third week of the semester.

This moment also reflected the strength of the Menlo–OculusIT partnership: a shared commitment to continuity, responsiveness, and student success, even under the most urgent conditions.

“Tuan represents exactly what higher education IT leadership should look like — calm under pressure, deeply service-oriented, and relentlessly focused on student success,” said an OculusIT executive leader. “We are proud to partner with Menlo College and to support professionals like Tuan who embody the mission of technology with purpose.”

The experience reinforced a belief Tuan had been building throughout his career — that leadership in IT is not defined by titles, but by responsibility when the stakes are highest.

A Full Circle Moment

Today, Tuan Dinh serves as Director of Information Technology at Menlo College, bringing together deep technical expertise, academic perspective, and a mission-driven leadership style that places people at the heart of every innovation.

From his early days as a student to now guiding the systems that sustain teaching, learning, and campus life, Tuan’s journey has truly come full circle — and it continues to inspire those around him.

For students and emerging professionals seeking a path into technology leadership, Tuan’s story offers a lasting lesson: technical ability may open doors, but true growth comes from stepping forward with humility, serving others with purpose, and leading with clarity when conditions are uncertain.

At its core, Tuan’s philosophy remains clear: IT leadership is proven not when systems are stable, but when people are counting on you — and there is no room for delay.

Tuan’s journey reflects what steady growth, curiosity, and accountability can become over time. From stepping forward during moments of uncertainty to continuing his education while leading full time, his path is a reminder that leadership in higher education IT is built gradually through service and commitment. At OculusIT, we value the opportunity to work alongside professionals like Tuan, whose example reinforces that technology leadership is ultimately about people, responsibility, and showing up when it matters most.