BIG DATA

First Large Community College System To Participate in Pilot Membership Effort

The Maricopa County Community College District is the first large community college system to join Internet2, extending a pilot membership program to assess the benefits of Internet2 membership for large multi-college systems. Previous pilot memberships involving state systems include California State University and the University of Nebraska. These systems have found Internet2’s community, network, services and cloud technologies to be particularly useful in facilitating academic collaboration and operating efficiencies across their campuses.

The Maricopa County Community College District, located in the Phoenix, AZ area, is one of the largest community college systems in the country, serving more than 230,000 for-credit and 30,000 non-credit students annually.

“Because of our size and our commitment to student success, the Maricopa Community Colleges believe that membership in Internet2 is an important step forward," said Dr. Rufus Glasper, Maricopa Chancellor. “It will allow us to further benefit our faculty, staff and students’ research and academic pursuits, as well as our joint initiatives with other universities in Arizona and throughout the nation.”

"Maricopa County Community College District is an important partner in the system of higher education in the state of Arizona, and a respected voice in the national conversation about the use and benefits of technology in higher education. We've been happy to facilitate their access to Internet 2 services via the Sun Corridor Network, which Arizona's three public universities established to provide connectivity to the national research and education fabric. We look forward to the valuable contributions MCCCD will bring to the Internet 2 community,” remarked Gordon Wishon, Chief Information Officer, Arizona State University, Michele Norin, Chief Information Officer and Executive Director University IT Services University of Arizona, and Fred Estrella, Chief Information Officer, Northern Arizona University.

The Maricopa Community Colleges are known for their innovative transfer agreements with the state's three universities and are recognized leaders in Greater Phoenix for workforce development initiatives. The Maricopa District plays a vital role in enhancing the state’s and county’s competitive strength and economic vitality by providing skilled workers for high demand careers such as nursing, allied health, protective services, and information technology.

“Internet2’s Community Engagement Program Advisory Group endorsed Maricopa’s membership and pilot effort to showcase their value as a large system to the Internet2 community,” said Internet2 Vice President for Community Engagement Ana Hunsinger. “I see many exciting opportunities with their involvement in the community including participating in community programs, network, global community engagement, research opportunities and the NET+ portfolio.”