RCC receives additional $949,000 for improvements, upgrades to networking, security
Randolph Community College recently made improvements and upgrades to networking and security across campus thanks to the Rural College Broadband Access Project from the North Carolina Community College System. In total, RCC was given just over $1.5 million in two allocations.
“This will provide a safe, secure, and more efficient and reliable teaching and learning environment for our students, faculty, staff, and administrators at our main and satellite locations,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “Equally important, the Project has fortified our campus against potential cyber threats by implementing state-of-the-art security measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect RCC. This transformative initiative has ushered in a new era of connectivity, ensuring that our college remains at the forefront of technological advancements while providing a secure and efficient digital environment for all members of our community.”
RCC Director of Information Technology Services Tara Williams said, while the first allocation allowed the College to purchase a new firewall on the main campus, a virtual firewall, and a total rework of RCC’s fiber network, the College would not see the true benefits until the network switches and other devices were upgraded.
“Imagine having a 3G cell phone connected to a 5G network,” she said. “While you may have a connection, you will not see the true speed benefit. I am pleased that those worries and concerts have been relieved with the additional allocation. The overall benefit for the entire RCC community of students, faculty, and staff is a safer, reliable, more efficient network environment.”
The RCBAP bolstered broadband access on 45 rural college campuses throughout the state, implementing critical, college-specific IT infrastructure and network security improvements. Multiple improvements were tailored to each college, including fiber cable installation, WIFI access point additions, cybersecurity, network power supply and security support, and firewall checks.
The System partnered with MCNC (Microelectronics Center of North Carolina) and the Department of Information Technology to deliver necessary broadband infrastructure and cybersecurity enhancements for our rural community colleges. This collaborative effort established a pathway for rural colleges to contribute to greater economic mobility within their communities.
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.