By Kyle Peveto, Page Editor
ACU was recently recognized as a New Media Center by the New Media Consortium, an influential organization dedicated to the advancement of technology in higher education.
The NMC, in its 10th year of existence, is composed of museums, technology producers and 50 colleges and universities, such as the University of California-Los Angeles, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown and Rutgers.
A worldwide search for new members was initiated by NMC, and ACU was asked to join in the spring.
“They are looking for groups who are involved in shaping the industry,” said Doug Darby, Adams Center multimedia training coordinator.
Darby was among the representatives who attended this year’s NMC conference in Virginia this summer. George Saltsman, Adams Center multimedia training coordinator, also attended.
Darby and Saltsman also attended a brainstorming meeting with Apple at the conference with New York University, UCLA, Brown and Rutgers
“Even among a very strong field, it was quite clear that Abilene Christian University is a place where smart creative people are devising innovative solutions to challenges we all face in teaching and learning,” said Dr. Larry Johnson, CEO and president of the NMC, in a press release.
Involvement with the consortium gives ACU a chance to rub shoulders with larger universities and software companies who find solutions to technological and educational issues, and the NMC offers grant-writing services for members. Software companies involved with the NMC also give bulk discounts to members within the consortium.
The membership in the NMC is open-ended and does not run out.
ACU’s recognition with the NMC involves the entire campus, not just the Adams Center, said Susan Lewis, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication. The Adams Center, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Department of Biblical Studies and the Department of Art and Design were included when joining the consortium.
Darby looks forward to being a Christian university in the forefront of “an industry that is in constant change.”
“We have an opportunity to provide a positive influence in the industry,” Darby said.
