Media Technology Center set to launch for 2022-2023 academic year
An idea long in the making—a Media Technology Center for students in the College of Media—will finally come to life in the basement of Gregory Hall during the 2022-2023 academic year.
The center was made possible by a generous $50,000 gift from Jim and Amy Schlueter to the College of Media Innovation Fund, and by a $100,000 investment from the Office of the Provost.
“We’re excited to establish a physical space that meets and supports instructional equipment needs for our students,” said Dean Tracy Sulkin. “We will have a variety of technology and resources that students can check out or access online. They can explore equipment that they’d like to use for class projects and receive guidance on how to use it from the staff.”
The project is just getting underway this fall. The college is currently clearing out furniture stored in Greg Hall Room 9, the future location of the center, so a new coat of paint and floor repairs can take place. Then equipment lockers will be added, as well as a workspace for students to experiment with new technology in time for Fall 2022 classes.
“Over the past few years, the College of Media has been taking important steps in pursuing the new technologies and innovative research that will give our students the opportunity to be future leaders in our fields,” said Jim Schlueter (BS ’80, journalism). “We are thrilled to help the college establish a place where our students can get access to the equipment, training, and assistance with using the tools they need. It’s our hope the center will be another special space in the basement of Greg Hall that will prepare our students for their careers and also be a place where they build great memories.”
Meghan Burnett, director of IT and operations for the College of Media, will be the staff lead for the renovation and launch of the facility.
“The Media Technology Center will provide students with a location to get some hands-on experience with different media technology,” Burnett said. “It will be a space where students can come to ask questions about their own equipment or to borrow something they need for an assignment.”
The College of Media is considering each department's distinct needs in developing the facility. The Media Technology Center will enhance the services available to students, and at the same time, provide departments with flexibility.
Members of the college’s Technology Committee, which will play an important role in shaping the space, will work with their respective department heads to decide how the facility can best serve student and faculty needs.
The College of Media Innovation Fund supports projects like this, contributing to faculty and student research, technology advancements, and cutting-edge pedagogy. To give, please visit the College of Media giving page, click on the orange “Give Online Now” button, and select the College of Media Innovation Fund under “Champion Innovation in Media Research & Collaborations.”
—Da Yeon Eom, Communications and Marketing Intern