Johnson C. Smith University News October 30, 2012 Johnson C. Smith University Announces New Education Alliance with Microsoft Johnson C. Smith University is teaming up with Microsoft Corporation to improve technology teaching and learning as part of an innovative partnership available to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The partnership was signed on Oct. 25 during the groundbreaking ceremony for the university's new Science Center, scheduled for completion in 2014. "Technology literacy and skills are non-negotiables for most students entering today's workforce," said Reggie Isaac, senior director of Microsoft's Charlotte Campus. "Through our alliance with Johnson C. Smith University, we are giving young people access to advanced technology, in-depth training, workforce readiness, and the preeminent technology leaders in the industry. This alliance will give the University's students a leg up in today's economy." Isaac will work with the university over the next year to significantly enhance opportunities and training in the field of technology on a variety of fronts at JCSU, including: * Enhancing faculty and student education resources through the Microsoft IT Academy and DreamSpark. These programs offer access to e-learning courses and special pricing for courseware, certification exams and designer tools. * Fostering local innovation at JCSU's Innovo Laboratory and College of STEM, through Microsoft BizSpark, which provides business skills development software and a virtual incubator for entrepreneurs. * Opening job opportunities through a Microsoft recruiting day in spring 2013, and provide job hunting, networking training and internship possibilities through the student ambassador program. * Offering students direct exposure to executives in the IT field through the JCSU Leadership Lecture Series and Visiting Students Series. Students will have such opportunities as visiting a Microsoft subsidiary overseas nearest the university's global studies program. "Microsoft has been a great friend of the university by providing software in the past for our laptop program for students," said Dr. Ronald L. Carter, president of Johnson Smith University. "We are grateful for its support in this multi-faceted partnership that will add relevance to our technology programs and tremendous opportunities for our students and faculty." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.