WASHINGTON, D.C.
In a development that is expected to bring the
latest and most advanced information technology to the campuses of
historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), an Atlanta-based
technology company and the National Association for Equal Opportunity
in Higher Education (NAFEO) have formed an alliance to make it easier
for the schools to acquire technology.
WANLink Communications, a subsidiary of the Black-owned World
African Network company, entered into a partnership with NAFEO in March
that could help win the Atlanta firm technology contracts valued at
from $6 million to $8 million by the end of the year. WANLink’s
agreement with NAFEO includes donation of new computer hardware and
software, and the installation of a local area network at the
organization’s new headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The
partnership could enable WANLink Communications to become the HBCU
community’s most active information technology player as schools
construct and upgrade their communication and computer systems.
Dr. Henry Ponder, NAFEO president and CEO, said the organization is
“pleased to work with WANLink to help facilitate HBCUs’ technology
gains. Now that technology has become the key to the global economy, it
is more important than ever for all educational institutions to take
full advantage of its benefits.” Technology was a hot topic at several
of the sessions conducted at this year’s annual NAFEO conference, held
here last month.
Warren Williams, president of WANLink Communications, said the
NAFEO partnership allows his company to market information technology
products and services directly to top officials at the 116 institutions
represented, by NAFEO.
WANLink specializes in constructing the infrastructure for
telephone systems, data networks, and video/cable TV systems. Specific
products and services provided by WANLink include cable design and
installation, telephone switching system development, distance learning
network setup, digital interactive video system installation, and data
network management.
“We build the foundation” for schools to utilize computer and communication networks, Williams said.
