Putting into practice an effective S.T.E.A.M. program is a challenge at any level, but Valdosta State University was able to master it by creating a high−technology interface using Kramer Electronics products. S.T.E.A.M., which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, is the core discipline subject group for today’s technology−driven education and workforce readiness.
Valdosta State University, located in Valdosta, Georgia, is the second regional university in the University System of Georgia, serving over 10,000 students in the colleges of arts, arts and sciences, business administration, and education and nursing. For its S.T.E.A.M. program, the school created a totally wireless BYOD interface to the presentation system that included the Kramer VIA Connect PRO and the Kramer Electronics K−Touch Cloud−based control solution.
Randy Scott, southeast regional director of Sales and Development at Inter Technologies, the local audio/video systems integrator, said the Kramer VIA product line lent itself very well to the application. “The S.T.E.A.M. Center is used by K−12 guests to spur their interest in STEAM−oriented careers, and the VIA Connect PRO along with the K−Touch control solution makes it extremely simple for these students to use,” Scott said.
The system consists of eight VIA Connect PRO units, six K−Touch control solutions and a Kramer VSM−4x4HFS split room seamless matrix switcher. The VIA Connect PRO is a wireless collaboration and presentation solution that can be used with any laptop or mobile device for viewing, editing and commenting on documents in real time. It makes sharing files and editing easy. The VIA Connect PRO offers high quality video streaming, supporting full HD 1080p/60, and up to four participant screens can be displayed on the main screen. The K−Touch is a Cloud−based platform for control of automation systems including lights, screens, video, sound, HVAC and more. It is compatible with any iOS or Android touch device.
The system is unified by the Kramer VSM−4x4HFS, a seamless matrix switcher that allows switching between inputs with a clean video cut. The VSM−4x4HFS supports HDMI resolutions with deep color, up to eight channels of audio and includes per−port HDCP and EDID settings.
According to Sterlin Sanders, assistant director of Technology Services at Valdosta University, the Kramer system allows participants in S.T.E.A.M.− related programming to bring any form of technology to use during classes. “We provide programming to the external education community, and we were looking for a solution that would allow instructors and students to use their own tablet, laptop or mobile device to collaborate on various assignments,” Sanders said. “Our technician, Adrian Taylor, played a key role in getting the Kramer units up and running, and the system has been a big success at events like Science Saturday, when students in grades K−12 visited for a math education day.”
Scott said the system has garnered glowing reviews from Valdosta University. “Kramer has positioned its solution very well in the BYOD wireless user interface arena,” he said.
VSU offers a total of 50 undergraduate majors, 23 masters’ degrees, nine educational specialist degrees and doctorates in education.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
