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Greenville Tech campus gains wireless network with donation from ScanSource, Motorola Solutions, and Axis Communications

Submitted by: Katherine Smoak Davis on Jul 13, 2011 at 4:33 pm Tagged with: Donations, Education, Greenville Technical College, Motorola Solutions, ScanSource, technical education, Upstate SC, Wireless Network Source: Greenville Technical College

July 13, 2011 | Greenville, SC -- A gift from ScanSource, Inc., Motorola Solutions, Inc. and Axis Communications, valued at nearly a quarter of a million dollars, has allowed the Barton Campus of Greenville Technical College to have complete 802.11n indoor and outdoor wireless connectivity. Having this infrastructure in place enables the college to enhance the student experience and broaden the number of applications available to students, professors and visitors.In addition to the wireless installation, physical security manufacturer, Axis Communications provided a video surveillance solution that allows the campus to enhance its physical security coverage and increase student safety and overall campus management.

Installation of the state-of-the-art Motorola wireless network and the video surveillance solution for the Barton Campus is underway and expected to be completed in time for the start of Fall Semester classes on August 15.

The gift has been in the works for nearly a year and a half, since Greenville Tech officials approached ScanSource, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mike Baur in 2009 with a wish list of needs that would help the college fulfill its mission, while facing significant budget challenges. Baur promised to help with technology, and his efforts led to today’s announcement.

“Education has always been an important focal point for ScanSource, Inc. and our Charitable Foundation. Couple that with our business focus on wireless technologies and physical security solutions and we certainly thought we could help,” said Baur. “Motorola Solutions stepped up in a big way to deliver the wireless network for the campus. The possibilities are endless with this infrastructure in place. We also appreciate Axis’ role in delivering their industry-leading video surveillance solutions. We look forward to seeing how this installation helps Greenville Tech move closer to becoming a wireless campus of the future. I encourage other members of the community to take a close look at Greenville Tech’s future plans to see how they might be able to help.”

Moving the campus from wireless hot spots to an enhanced wireless environment provides ease of access to information. It expands the learning environment from one restricted to classrooms and buildings to a learning environment with fewer boundaries. Students and professors will now have access to better opportunities for collaboration, research, and instruction.
Proficiency in the use of all forms of technology is an expectation in every profession. Expanding Greenville Tech’s level of sophistication provides a better learning environment for students while they are in college and better prepares students for the career fields they will enter upon graduation.

The gift provides a backbone for Greenville Tech’s technology vision. Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Tech, wants to see the college become a testing ground for new developments in technology that can impact student success and access. With the diverse student populations that two-year institutions serve, Miller believes that Greenville Tech and other two-year colleges should play a more prominent role in research directed at technical advancements. Because of the generosity of donors such as ScanSource, Motorola Solutions, and Axis Communications, Greenville Tech is moving closer to its vision for technology.

“Greenville Tech is working to remove barriers that keep students from the education they need to succeed, and this donation is a major force in making that happen,” says Miller. “ScanSource, Motorola Solutions, and Axis Communications have been true partners to Greenville Tech in understanding our needs and benefitting the college and its community by assisting us with those needs. We are extremely grateful.”

With this critical piece of the technology plan in place, the Greenville Tech Foundation is seeking additional donors to help the college complete next steps. The college’s high-tech toolbox should include items such as e-advising, iClickers, SharePoint, virtual computer labs, remote video conferencing, and much more.

“Technology is a key differentiator in today’s learning environment. Students are more tech savvy than ever – they come from a wireless world at home and expect their schools to offer the same capabilities,” said Jim Welch, Corporate VP, North America Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, Inc. “The Greenville Tech project is a great example of how Motorola Solutions and its partners collaborate to incorporate leading-edge technology to deliver solutions that enhance the education experience for students, teachers and staff, while providing reliable coverage to enhance campus safety and security.”