Randy Zmrhal has circled the world, influencing multiple corporations along the way. He credits Colorado State University, specifically the Computer Information Systems Department in the College of Business, for the educational foundation that launched his career.
He began attending CSU in 1968. At that time, it was one of two schools in the nation offering a degree in Computer Information Systems, and Zmrhal was swayed by the picturesque mountains on the recruiting brochure. After earning his bachelor's degree from CSU, he joined the military where his college training provided him with the knowledge he needed to serve as a programming expert.
Colorado State Professor Norman Brammer, Ph.D., convinced Zmrhal to return and earn his master’s degree, recognizing that Zmrhal would make a significant impact on the development of the curriculum. Gaining experience teaching large groups of students, innovating, and solving problems, Zmrhal now credits this experience as a defining one in shaping his life and career. In addition to pursuing his degree, Zmrhal launched a small consulting company, hiring both Professor Brammer and CIS Professor John Plotnicki. He also met his wife, Linda.
Since he completed his training at CSU, Zmhral has had the opportunity to work with several successful companies including Accenture, a management consulting firm where he helped to build the communications infrastructure. He states, “Without my education at Colorado State, I would not have had my career. CSU gave me the background and training I needed for the rest of my life.” Through a career which kept him traveling around the world on a weekly basis, Zmhral has enjoyed working with leading edge technology and the best and brightest clients in the field. His work philosophy since college has been to, “think straight, talk straight,” and to look for the situation that provides a win for both the corporation and customer. His education from Colorado State University provided him with skills to find the best scenario.
Zmrhal currently lives in Portland, Oregon, where he works to preserve the local wildlife habitat and spends his free time biking. He and his wife have two children: Steven, 29, and Jennifer, 31. He stays connected with the College of Business that started it all by visiting old associates such as Professor John Plotnicki and guest speaking in classes.