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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the appointment of Janie Park of Chadron to the Nebraska Information Technology Commission (NITC). Park, the new President of Chadron State College, will fill the remainder of Susan Heider's term, which ends on April 2, 2008.
"As a former NITC chairman, I understand the importance of information technology and the opportunities it offers for improving the efficiency of government," Gov. Heineman said. "I am pleased that someone of Doctor Park's stature is willing to serve Nebraskans in this important role. She is a tremendous addition."
Park earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Baylor University and earned her master's and doctorate in cell and molecular biology from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). She began her career as a registered nurse and worked through the academic ranks at both FIT and at Montana State University-Billings.
While at Montana State-Billings, Park helped lead an outreach program for distance education. Harnessing technology, the university extended the reach of its academic programs over a geographic area as diverse as western Nebraska.
Park said, "As president of Chadron State College, I am deeply committed to improving the information technology infrastructure in the state, and especially in rural western Nebraska, to improve the access and quality of K-12 and higher education. Access to information technology will do more to shrink the vast distances between rural Nebraskans and improve their quality of life than any other investment."
The nine-member NITC works to make state investments in information technology more accessible and responsive to the needs of Nebraskans. Among the commission's responsibilities are developing a statewide technology plan, adopting guidelines and technical standards and making recommendations on technological purchases to the Governor and Legislature during even-numbered years. The commission also approves grants from community technology and government technology collaboration funds.
Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy chairs the NITC.
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