Academic Technologies Receives Award For Excellence

Academic Technologies at California State University, Chico has been given the New Media Consortium (NMC) 2005 Center for Excellence Award for outstanding achievement in the application of technology to learning and creative expression.

Each year the NMC, an international consortium of colleges, universities and museums, recognizes member institutions with its highest honor. CSU, Chico was recognized at the annual meeting in July for their "creative, technical, and artistic support of its campus community."

"We appreciate recognition of the work we do," said Kathy Fernandes, director of Academic Technologies at CSU, Chico. "The award could not come at a better time. The last four years have seen considerable budget constraints, and the staff has continued to maintain integrity and high quality in everything they do."

"The Center of Excellence Award celebrates the innovation and creativity that is part of the fabric of every member institution," said Larry Johnson, NMC executive officer. "The NMC colleges recognized this year represent the best of our field, and each has had a tremendous history of accomplishments."

Academic Technologies is responsible for the integration of technology into CSU, Chico's learning and teaching environments, including integrating course/learning management systems and presentation technologies into the curriculum; faculty development, training and support; media services (video, photography, Web site development and graphics), and distance education delivery.

Academic Technologies' accomplishments include an animated video to teach Italian language and culture, a DVD on Exemplary Online Instruction, a video and display for a California cultural center and other state departments, an animated, three-dimensional graphic model of the CSU, Chico campus and development of a special effects camera that travels along a cable.

The University of Texas at Austin and Wesleyan University also received the excellence award.

Contact: Joe Wills, 530-898-4143, Kathy Fernandes, 530-898-6112