Recognizing a need to emphasize the technology component of RU’s curriculum so graduates are better prepared to excel in information age careers, President Douglas Covington devised the initial College of Information Science and Technology concept in 1999. It was then endorsed by Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore and members of the General Assembly. The Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2000-2002 biennium budget included $750,000 in early 2000 for the next biennium, which enabled RU to jump-start this daring and innovative proposal.
The College has three goals:
- To increase the number of students graduating with technology expertise in specific professional programs,
- To implement a “Technology Across the Curriculum” program so graduates in all majors will be prepared to put technology to work in any setting,
- To create a Technology Training Center to provide continuous training to faculty, staff and students and to offer workforce development training to the region.
In the short span of time since the College’s inception, RU has forged an extensive curriculum, expanded articulation agreements with community colleges, and added invaluable physical assets in the form of the acquisition of a nearby parcel of property.
Given to RU by Carilion Health System, the 78-acre property is home to the Technology Training Center and the university’s new Business Technology Park, envisioned as a hub for economic development activity for Southwest Virginia.
The College hired Dr. Wil Stanton as its founding dean in the spring of 2001.
 Message from Dean Stanton
College Mission Statement
How to support the new college
|
