Network Engineer
The NUES Network Engineer, Mark Houtz, supports the use of the Internet and network connectivity applications within the NUES office and the districts within the NUES region. Mark, performs the functions of a technology help desk resource for staff and faculty within the districts served by NUES. He supports district technology directors in troubleshooting and resolving network issues in a timely manner via the Internet, telephone and/or in person. He is responsible for maintaining and supporting the NUES regional fiber optic, copper, and wireless network including routers, switches, firewalls, websites, backups, and all hardware and software at the NUES data center.
Mark, personally, has been involved in reducing the digital divide for students across the region and across the state through innovative technologies, such as eduroam, private cellular, fiber optics, and wifi technologies. He strives to expand connectivity opportunities to reach students wherever education and learning takes place, including in the home, at school, and throughout the community.
Our network engineer has a passion for learning and applying new technologies. Mark holds a number of industry based certifications. Including the full WiFi path from CWNP leading up to receiving the coveted CWNE Certification, of which he was recently selected as CWNE #500 in the world. He is an industry leader in Private Cellular technologies and the use cases and intricacies involved with bringing Cellular technologies into school and business environments.
Mark has been invited to speak internationally at conferences in Prague, Czech Republic; Mexico City, Mexico; Phoenix, Arizona; and amongst many in state Utah educational conferences. Additionally, he was asked to share his knowledge about eduroam and cellular technologies on various international podcasts. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Utah State University in Information Systems and a Masters of Science from Western Governors University in Information Security.
Educational Background:
- MS in Information Security and Assurance, Western Governors University (2020)
- BS in Management Information Systems, Utah State University (2009)
- Certified Wireless Network Expert CWNE #500 (2023)
- Certified 5G LAN Specialist C5S (2023)
- Certified Wireless Design Professional CWDP (2023)
- Certified Wireless Analysis Professional CWAP (2023)
- Certified Wireless IOT Administrator CWISA (2022)
- Certified Wireless Security Professional CWSP (2022)
- Certified Professional Installer (2021)
- Certified Wireless Network Administrator CWNA (2020)
- Ekahau ECSE Troubleshooting (2021)
- Ekahau ECSE Advanced (2020)
- Ekahau ECSE Design (2020)
- Palo Alto PCNSA (2019) Expired
- Certified Hancking Forensics Investigator CHFI (2019) Expired
- Certified Ethical Hacker CEH (2019) Expired
- Certified Educational Technology Leader CETL (2016)
- Certified Fiber Installer (2015) Expired
- Cisco CCENT (2013) Expired
- Novell CNA (2003) Expired
Occupational Experience:
- Northeastern Utah Educational Services – Network Engineer, 2014-present
- Daggett School District, Interim IT Director, 2021-2022
- Mawhinney Enterprises – Information Systems Manager, 2000-present
- Pinnacle Technologies – Network and Security Technician, Intern, 2009-2014
- WhiteCap Institute – Information Systems Coordinator and Web Developer, 2011
- Logan City School District – Service Technician, 2004
- Wasatch School District – Service Technician Intern, 2002-2003
State Committees:
- Utah GOEO/BEAD Grant Planning Committee, 2023
- UETN Private Cellular User Group Chair, 2022 to present
- Utah Technology Coordinators Council (TCC), 2014 to present
- NUES Regional Technology Coordinators Council (NUES TCC), 2014 to present
- Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN), 2014 to present
Awards:
- Bob Potts Service Award, UETN Tech Summit (2023)
- Novell Young Network Professional Scholarship (2003)
Hobbies & Interests
- Travel
- Outdoors
- Jeeping
- Camping
- Boating
- Real Salt Lake Soccer
- Utah Jazz
- Utah State Football and Basketball
- Learning new things
