MISENHEIMER ó Pfeiffer University already has wireless Internet hot spots in many of its buildings, but it will soon extend enhanced and secure wireless networking services throughout its three main campuses with a recent $160,000 gift from the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust.
University officials said the gift will provide seamless and secure connectivity in all academic buildings, as well as mobile access to new courseware environments such as virtual classrooms across Pfeiffer’s Misenheimer, Charlotte and Research Triangle campuses.
“The environment and instructional technology in the classroom have changed dramatically in recent years and wireless accessibility has swiftly moved from a luxury to a necessity,” said Pfeiffer President Dr. Chuck Ambrose. “As Pfeiffer continues to evaluate services provided to ensure a quality academic experience for our students, we persist in our efforts to enhance the educational curriculum and provide essential wireless network security. We are grateful to the Cannon Trust for their generous support in helping us provide safe wireless connectivity across all Pfeiffer campuses.”
This gift marks the first since Pfeiffer became a beneficiary of the Cannon Trusts in February 2009. The university has historically received generous support from the Cannon Foundation, which has helped fund numerous campus renovation and improvement projects totaling more than $5 million since 1956. As a result of this long-lasting relationship, the board of directors of the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trusts, a sibling grant-making organization that operates independently from the foundation, named Pfeiffer among its list of designated beneficiaries.
The first part of the three-phase wireless project will begin in July, and could be complete by the time students return this fall. Ambrose said the network upgrade will address a growing demand for wireless access, which is the preferred method of connectivity for most students.
“Wireless makes it easier to address so many challenges,” Ambrose said. “On a residential campus like ours, with 75-year-old buildings, the logistics of wired networks are very challenging and costly. But most importantly, enhanced connectivity and mobility provided by a wireless network will allow us to take full advantage of numerous online curriculum applications across all campuses, and helps to facilitate integration of traditional students, on-site adult students and remote students in hybrid classes that combine online learning and classroom instruction.”
The Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust, along with the Cannon Foundation, are organizations established by the late Charles A. Cannon, president and chairman of Cannon Mills Company for more than 50 years.