Guest Column – Driving Innovation and Excellence: MACU and OneNet Collaborate for a Brighter Future

By Phil Greenwald, President

As President of Mid-America Christian University (MACU), I am proud to share how our partnership with OneNet is empowering our campus community to thrive in today’s digitally driven world. Through the Setting Up Research Foundations Multiple Organization Regional OneOklahoma Friction Free Network (SURF-MORe-OFFN) initiative, a campus cyberinfrastructure project, MACU is positioned to achieve the University’s academic excellence through the use of technology.

This project will upgrade MACU’s connectivity to a robust 10 Gbps connection to OneNet and the OneOklahoma Friction Free Network (OFFN), revolutionizing the way our students and faculty access and interact with digital resources. This upgrade ensures faster, more reliable internet access that enhances the innovative teaching and learning happening across our campus.

At MACU, we’ve embraced technology as a vital tool for preparing our students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions. From our cutting-edge Innovation Labs to our Esports program—home to multiple National Championship teams—MACU is committed to integrating state-of-the-art tools into every aspect of student life.

Our new Innovation Labs provide students with hands-on experiences in modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, 3D modeling, virtual reality, and advanced scientific training. These opportunities equip students with the skills needed to excel in today’s workforce.

Likewise, our Esports program is more than just a competitive outlet—it serves as a training ground for leadership, strategy, and teamwork, preparing students for careers in the rapidly growing Esports and gaming industries.

Technology also plays a pivotal role in our classrooms, where digital tools are integrated to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Beyond the classroom, advanced platforms support online learning for remote students, ensuring everyone has access to the same high-quality education, regardless of location.

The addition of the OFFN network further enhances these efforts, enabling our online students across Oklahoma to benefit from the state’s supercomputing resources. These initiatives exemplify our commitment to helping students pursue their calling and finish what they started—a cornerstone of MACU’s mission.

OneNet’s partnership is instrumental in supporting these advancements. By ensuring reliable, high-speed data transfer, we can offer students and faculty the ability to connect with Research 1 institutions in the state of Oklahoma in STEM areas such as Biology, Nursing, Data Analytics, Math or Cybersecurity. As part of the SURF-MORe-OFFN initiative, MACU joins a statewide network of institutions leveraging technology to drive collaboration, innovation, and educational excellence.

Reflecting on this milestone, I am reminded of the critical role partnerships play in achieving our vision. “Our 25-year connection with OneNet and partnership with OFFN provides MACU students opportunities comparable to those at larger universities across the country,” said Chief Operating Officer/Chief Information Officer, Jody Allen. “This collaboration enables our students to work with large data sets and advanced machine learning tools, equipping them with valuable skills for success after graduation.”

The future at MACU is brighter than ever. Through the combination of enhanced infrastructure, forward-thinking programs, and our mission-driven commitment to Christian higher education, MACU is equipping students not only to succeed but to lead in their chosen fields. We are grateful to OneNet for their collaboration and to initiatives like SURF-MORe-OFFN that ensure Oklahoma’s universities can continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and communities across our state.

As we look ahead, MACU will remain steadfast in its mission to empower students to achieve greater things for God and His Kingdom, with technology and innovation lighting the way.