2007 Public Service and Outreach Staff Award for Excellence

James H. Gilstrap

James H. Gilstrap, an information technology specialist at the State Botanical Garden, has saved the unit thousands of dollars by acquiring surplus equipment and personally doing work that might normally be outsourced. He has spearheaded the effort to add wireless Internet access throughout the gardens surrounding the Visitor Center.

Gilstrap’s duties are related to software, computers and electronic equipment, but he is known for often going beyond his job description. When a server went down, he stayed at the Garden throughout the night to recover data and provide a temporary solution. He doesn’t hesitate to help the staff hang lights, design a set or figure out credit card processing. He even constructed a stucco Italian garden wall for the Garden’s major fundraiser.

Gilstrap has helped the Botanical Garden acquire sound equipment, cash registers, copiers, credit card machines, lighting and other special equipment at a low cost. He also advised the education staff on how to find the best prices for software and other computer needs.

Gilstrap’s creative use of technology also benefits Garden visitors. For the annual Insect-ival, he rigged a camera and LCD projector to project the famous ‘Roach Races’ onto a wall screen ¾ an addition enjoyed by many visitors.