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What is the Center of Technology and Empowerment?

The Center of Technology and Empowerment aims to become a leading hub for innovation, learning, student empowerment, and community advancement by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering strong partnerships. This proposal outlines establishing a multi-faceted center grounded in three core pillars: Industry Engagement, Student Empowerment, and Stakeholder and Community Advancement. 

These pillars will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities: the AI Lab, the SAP Next-Gen Lab, and the reformed E-Commerce Design Lab. 

Pillar 1: Industry Engagement

The Industry Engagement pillar will foster collaborative relationships between the academic community and industry leaders. Through the AI Lab, companies will have the opportunity to explore and implement artificial intelligence solutions, enhancing their competitive edge. The SAP Next-Gen Lab will serve as a conduit for organizations to integrate advanced enterprise systems and participate in co-innovation projects. The E-Commerce Design Lab will support businesses in developing e-commerce strategies and solutions, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the digital marketplace.

Pillar 2: Student Empowerment

Student Empowerment is dedicated to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape and to providing opportunities for students to network and showcase their abilities. The AI Lab will provide hands-on training in AI and machine learning, preparing students for careers in these high-demand fields. The SAP Next-Gen Lab will offer students practical experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enhancing their employability and readiness for the workforce. The E-Commerce Design Lab will enable students to design and implement e-commerce platforms, fostering entrepreneurial skills and digital literacy.

Pillar 3: Stakeholder and Community Advancement

The Stakeholder and Community Advancement pillar will promote inclusivity and equitable access to technology and education. Through community workshops and outreach programs, the AI Lab will demystify artificial intelligence and encourage community participation in tech development. The SAP Next-Gen Lab will provide training and resources to local businesses and non-profits, helping them streamline operations and improve efficiency. The E-Commerce Design Lab will support community members in launching online businesses, driving economic growth and fostering innovation at the grassroots level.

Goals and Objectives
  1. Innovate through Transformative Learning Experiences and Interdisciplinary Collaboration 
  • Objective 1.1: Redesign or develop and implement at least one new interdisciplinary class project or course annually that integrates AI, SAP systems, or e-commerce technologies. 

  • Objective 1.2: Engage students in hands-on projects or internships with industry partners each academic year. 

  1. Distinguish GCSU's Unique Liberal Arts Approach to Technology Education 
  • Objective 2.1: Showcase student and faculty technology annually, highlighting the integration of liberal arts perspectives in technological solutions. 

  1. Empower Students, Faculty, and Staff through Technology
  • Objective 3.1: Provide at least 6 workshops or training sessions annually on emerging technologies for students, faculty, and staff. 

  1. Engage with the Local Community and Industry Partners 
  • Objective 4.1: Establish and maintain partnerships with at least 6 businesses or organizations annually for industry tours, training, guest speakers, collaborative projects, and internships. 

  • Objective 4.2: Host at least 2 community events per year focused on technology education and digital literacy. 

  1. Advance Technology Education and Computing for All 
  • Objective 5.1: Sponsor at least 2 events per year focused on empowering and promoting student success in technology fields.

  • Objective 5.2: Sponsor at least 1 event per year focused on empowering and advancing computing for all. 

CoBT Supporting Facilities

  1. The AI Lab focuses on research, development, and practical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The lab supports both academic research and industry collaborations, thus providing a versatile environment for innovation
  2. The SAP Next-Gen Lab with its connections to the SAP Global network and the SAP’s University Alliance network, will offer access to advanced enterprise software and resources, fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners. 
  3. The E-Commerce Design Lab, dedicated to developing e-commerce solutions, supports academic projects and real-world business applications. It provides a creative space for students and community members to experiment with digital commerce technologies.

Directors

Center of Technology and Empowerment

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Dr. Ward Risvold

Dr. Ward Risvold

Assistant Professor of Business Communications, Co-Director of Center of Technology and Empowerment
319 Atkinson Hall
478-445-2567
Education

PhD
University of Georgia
English, 2018

MA
North Carolina Central University
English, 2013

BA
University of California, Santa Cruz
Literature, 1988

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Caroline Collier

Caroline Collier

Senior Lecturer of Management Information Systems, Co-Director of Center Technology and Empowerment
305F Atkinson Hall
478-445-2595
Education

MMIS
Georgia College & State University, Management Information Systems, 1998

BBA
University of Rennes,  Accounting, 1995