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Corporate Partnership
Two years ago, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company made it possible for Kent State to dedicate its first electronic classroom in the College of Business Administration, fully equipped with Internet-linked computers at each desk. "Goodyear is proud to be part of this state-of-the-art facility that has been designed to meet the needs of students and active business professionals who are culturally diverse and geographically separated," said Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Samir G. Gibara.
In 1999 Goodyear reinforced its commitment to interactive, multimedia learning by completing a $306,000 pledge for another electronic classroom in the newly renovated Moulton Hall Learning Technologies Center. This public-private partnership has helped to place Kent State at the forefront of distributed learning initiatives that eliminate traditional barriers - in terms of cost and convenience - to accessing a high-quality education.
"It's vitally important to have a well trained workforce for our region, the nation and the world," said Assistant Corporate Secretary Patricia A. Kemph, who oversees Goodyear's charitable giving. "Today, computer literacy is necessary for many jobs that traditionally did not require such skills, and that's just the tip of the iceberg," she said. "Kent President Carol Cartwright is committed to ensuring that graduates also have the skills to adapt and continue learning throughout their careers in order to meet the challenges of the future."
In addition to support for technology, Goodyear has also strengthened links between Kent students and the business community. For 25 years, the multinational company has sponsored the Goodyear Executive Professorship, which provides support for a senior or retired business executive to spend one to two years teaching in the College of Business Administration. "Goodyear is very committed to the program and its potential to develop the business leaders of the 21st century," Kemph said.
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