By Kelly Stenka
Doane University’s commitment to enhancing student life through innovative technology was recognized at the 2025 Transact 360 conference, where Ryan Dorshorst ’06, director of technology operations, and Derek Bierman, chief information officer, received the Transformative Student Experience Award.
The award celebrates institutions that leverage technology to improve student engagement, recruitment, and retention. Doane stood out for its remarkably fast implementation of the Transact MobileID system, making campus life more seamless for students. In less than two years, Doane’s Technology Services team rolled out this new system which allows students to enter buildings, order food, grab coffee, and pick up packages — all from their mobile devices. The transition not only enhanced convenience but also improved campus security by eliminating lost keys and unauthorized access concerns.
“Our goal was to enhance the student experience in a meaningful way, and implementing Transact MobileID at Doane did exactly that,” Dorshorst said. “By streamlining access to buildings, dining, and campus services, we’ve made daily life more convenient and secure for our students. Seeing students, faculty and staff embrace the technology has been very rewarding.”
Dorshorst and Bierman shared their success story at the Transact 360 conference, showcasing how Doane’s Technology Services team prioritized student experience and operational efficiency. Their swift execution set a high standard for institutions nationwide, reaffirming Doane’s commitment to innovation.
