Spring 2001 Volume 3 Number 2 A publication of Macon State College

Dear Friends and Supporters: Today's workers need increased levels of education and continuous professional development over the span of their careers. Enrollment of adults in the nation's colleges and universities is booming, resulting in some interesting challenges as institutions try to meet the needs of these non-traditional students while continuing to effectively serve the younger set. Broadband Internet access is rapidly expanding the scope and quality of distance learning opportunities, while for-profit providers of higher education are multiplying. In a recent essay, Arthur Levine, the president of Columbia University's Teachers College, predicted that these and other changes are going to revolutionize the nation's colleges and universities. "If colleges and universities respond quickly and creatively to these new realities they will have an opportunity to be leaders in shaping the future of education," Levine wrote. "If they do not, tomorrow will be designed by others - the new providers." We are fortunate to have a forward-looking chancellor and Board of Regents who recognize the power of these concepts. Responding to the challenges presented by the Information Age is not easy, but I believe Macon State is shaping the future in such a way that we will be among those that thrive in the 21st century. Many of the articles in this issue of MSC Today describe how we are charting our new century direction. With business partners such as Cox Communications, we are developing the technological infrastructure to create a world-class electronic learning environment for the students of Macon State College. The Cox@MaconState partnership is already providing around-the-clock high-speed Internet service to students and faculty at discount rates. Soon it will result in the development of a high-speed data connection to the MSC Campus network that will allow students to bypass the Internet altogether and directly connect with online educational resources. Another exciting development as Macon State builds for the future is the upcoming ground-breaking for Phase I of our professional sciences and conference center, a $16.2 million project. Designed by the world-renowned John Portman & Associates architectural firm, the center will be completely wired for information technology and distance learning and feature state-of-the-art labs for the natural and physical sciences, as well as for nursing and allied health. We look forward to sharing this impressive facility with the Central Georgia community. One vision of a successful new century college is an institution that offers degree programs of recognized quality geared toward jobs created by the Information Age without losing sight of the value of a liberal arts education. I believe Macon State College is demonstrating the creativity and flexibility that higher education will need to maintain that balance in the 21st century. As the Information Age continues to reshape the way teaching and learning take place, we intend to remain a leader in charting new directions. Dr. David A. Bell President