Local industries and residents noticed the need to bring engineering and business degree programs to Rocky Mount from East Carolina University (ECU) and North Carolina State University (NCSU). This began the process of working with both institutions and the local community to survey those needs and develop the vehicle to bring the programs to Rocky Mount. Community leaders determined that the region needed a "hub" or state-of-the-art education technology facility to meet the secondary education needs of the local population. The concept of a strategically located Gateway Technology Center was developed. North Carolina Wesleyan College donated property in front of their campus for the construction of the facility. The location, along US 301, is a centrally located major north-south transportation hub within the four-county region of Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson and Halifax Counties.
The development and function of the Gateway Technology Center began taking shape. The vision of the Gateway Technology Center was to have the capabilities for students to take classes through a variety of technology mediums, including face to face instruction, video-conferencing, and distance learning. Local leaders garnered construction and technology grants and commitment dollars totaling in excess of $3 million from Nash County, the City of Rocky Mount, US EDA, the Golden L.E.A.F., Inc., the e-NC Authority, and several private foundations.
After four years of planning, the 18,676 square foot Gateway Technology Center was completed in April 2006. ECU and NCSU hired their first program for the Center in May 2006. The first NCSU engineering class was conducted on-site at the Center during the summer of 2006. In the Fall of 2006, North Carolina Wesleyan College began extensive use of the Center for computer and technology related courses. Continued growth is expected in the diversity of programs and offerings by ECU, NCSU, and NCWC as well as other institutions as industry and resident needs are determined.
The Gateway Technology Center opens doors for adults to actively participate in higher education courses and degree programs powered by Distance Education from East Carolina University and North Carolina State University. Visit GatewayTechnologyCenter.com for more information.
Space in the Gateway Technology Center can be rented by industries and groups that want to improve the educational level of their workers or have a special research project. There are several classrooms, an industrial lab, a distance learning lab, and conference rooms that can be rented. The Center offers instantaneous Internet connection with its 5 meg bandwidth. Additionally, the Center has two video carts and a full production distance learning lab with state-of-the-art video-conferencing capabilities. The Center can connect you to the world at the touch of a button. Click here to learn more about renting space at the Center.
SPACE FOR LEASE AT GATEWAY TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Distance Learning Lab
- Video Conference Room equipped Polycom VSX8000
- Plush seating for 30 participants
- Each seat equipped with broadband access
- Push to talk microphone for video participants
- Video conferencing utilizing 3CCD Color Pan/Tilt cameras
- Equipped with recording equipment for video conference recording
- Acoustical treated room for high quality audio
- Podium equipped with Smart Sympodium and PC interface (white board equivalent)
- Each seat equipped with internet interface
- Room Wi-Fi ready
- Fastest and most reliable video-conference room in Rocky Mount
- On-site assistance with set-up and operation of system
- Rates: $200 first hour (includes set-up) plus long distance charges; $80 each additional hour
Industrial Lab
- Clean, modern lab with epoxy floors
- 2 sinks and preparation area
- 1 drive-in door and access to waste container
- Adjacent storage and staging area that can be used with lab
- Flexible space with up-fit potential for long term tenants. Improvements will be added to cost of space.
- Safe and secure environment with separate door from remainder of the Center
- Access to 5 meg bandwidth internet connection
- Access to mobile video-conferencing cart available upon request
- Rates are negotiable based on type and length of use
2nd Floor Front Flex Classroom
- Vacant 23'4" x 32'0" classroom allows flexibility of use
- Access to video cart for video-conferencing capabilities
- Up-fit potential for long term tenants. Cost will be added to rental rate.
- Sufficient power and outlets for classroom full of computers and/or laptops
- 5 meg bandwidth internet connection
- Immediate access to elevator and stairs
- Rates: $80 per hour
2nd Floor Middle Flex Classroom
- Vacant 24'8" x 32'0" classroom allows flexibility of use
- Access to video cart for video-conferencing capabilities
- Up-fit potential for long term tenants. Cost will be added to rental rate.
- Sufficient power and outlets for classroom full of computers and/or laptops
- 5 meg bandwidth internet connection
- Immediate access to elevator and stairs
- Rates: $80 per hour
For more information on rental space at the Gateway Technology Center, contact:
John Gessaman, President
Geoffry Fitch, Project Coordinator
Gateway Technology Center, Inc.
427 Falls Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: 252-442-0114
Fax: 252-442-7315
Email: jrgessaman@econdev.org
Email: gfitch@econdev.org
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