INTRODUCTION
Kent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, with nearly 22,000 undergraduate students. At Kent State University, students hail from every corner of the globe to do work that paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. The university’s blue and gold family is comprised of a world-class faculty, serving as researchers and mentors unafraid to break the mold and push boundaries.
THE CHALLENGE
To ensure academic continuity, Kent State was looking to modify their existing rooms to support remote and hybrid learning. The provost office had become interested in modern approaches to class delivery and was looking to implement video conferencing technology, as they did not previously deploy it at a large scale in their classrooms.
THE SOLUTION
Kent State partnered with AV integrator SVT to implement scalable designs and cutting-edge technologies that would be effective in small instructor spaces and large hybrid lecture halls. As heavy Microsoft Teams® software users, Crestron Flex was the perfect solution for the school to leverage.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Crestron Flex was the optimal solution for students and faculty, as they were already familiar with Microsoft Teams. Crestron Flex solutions enable Kent State to continue to operate with their existing platforms while incorporating multiple displays for a more immersive experience. The technology gives faculty a one-touch to join option for meetings and sharing capabilities via the host PC or connecting their own device. It provides a single interface for control versus going with another Microsoft Teams device that would require two points of control. Kent State also deployed Crestron DM NVX® AV-over-IP technology to instantly and flexibly route 4K video to various displays within the school. DM NVX was selected because it allows for scalability in design while maintaining the same basic architecture. With DM NVX, the university can expand on its technology and transition its capabilities when they return to full capacity after COVID. DM NVX technology in the university’s large lecture halls and small classrooms allows the faculty to be comfortable and familiar in any setting.
DM NVX and Crestron Flex were deployed in nine classrooms – eight on the main campus and one on their satellite campus. Engineered for demanding classroom applications, this pairing provides stability and reliability, ensuring real-time, full-motion 4K60 video performance for distributing content. In addition, each room contains a Crestron control system and a Crestron touch screen that controls the camera, audio, video, and more. Crestron touch screens offer a powerful and intuitive user interface that is fully customizable with easy-to-use capacitive controls, true feedback, and real-time status display. Although the classrooms aren’t at full capacity due to COVID, faculty can utilize Crestron touch screens when they are the only individual in the classroom or in a large hybrid space.
RESULTS
Crestron has transformed Kent State University into a modern and techforward setting for students and faculty and has delivered the best possible hybrid learning experience. With a standardized technology infrastructure, the university now has the capacity for scalability and long-term success. "Regardless of the size of the room, we were able to deliver a consistent experience with Crestron," said Molnar. "Students and faculty are blown away by the technology, and we are thrilled with the experience we’re now able to provide them with.”
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.
