Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 2826 HTCinc.net | Summer 2016 CCU Economic Growth dining hall hours to lost and found — information students can reach in-office or via phone, text, email or social media. In many cases, technology even acts as a component to university curriculum. For example, the school offers courses joined by a sister class in another country. CCU students in Conway can share a screen with fellow students in Ecuador — a feature that simply was not available 30 years ago. The undeniably rapid pace of technology evolution presents an interesting challenge to any place of learning. “We are constantly playing catch-up,” says DeCenzo. “When computers first became mainstream, you could count on each student to have one or two connectivity devices. Now, each student has an average of six to seven connectivity devices. Phone, laptop, tablet, Xbox — the list truly goes on and on. Imagine the kind of bandwidth that requires on campus.” Partnering with a progressive telecommunications company like HTC has been integral in propelling CCU into a digital-centric university model. "CCU is a great business partner with HTC. Whether it’s providing wireless services and coverage for faculty, staff, students and visitors, or connecting to the Internet with HTC’s state-of-the-art fiber-optic network, or enterprise-grade voice services, HTC and CCU are truly connected. As a local Cooperative, we take great pride in providing services that enhance and enrich the growth of Coastal Carolina University." The programs offered at the university — the actual educational paths students seek when they choose CCU — are obviously affected as well. DeCenzo firmly believes that most traditional majors will continue to have a presence at the university, but the school is open to adding new programs as the market demands. “How do we guarantee that we are teaching the most current processes and information? If you think about it, it’s only a matter of four or five years before the technology we use today becomes obsolete — as is the technology we used five years ago,” DeCenzo explains. “It is critical that we keep our eyes and ears open and continuously update what we are teaching.” The president admits that perhaps even more important than that is developing in students a skill vital to thriving in today’s technology- saturated world: the ability to learn how to learn. Adaptability and being a quick study are marketable skills that will help secure long, successful careers for graduates. Hear that, technology? CCU is up for the challenge. - Brent Groome HTC Chief Executive – Marketing, Economic and Strategic Initiatives All photos provided by Alex Symcak and Coastal Carolina University.