Pellissippi State’s top faculty, staff members named for 2004-05

Video Production Technology featured on Avid Web site

Pellissippi State just added another feather to its academic cap. Its Video Production Technology concentration was featured on the home page of digital-media giant Avid.

VPT was singled out by Avid for the significant role it plays in supplying well-prepared graduates to the area’s media.

Thanks to a U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening and Development grant, VPT was recently able to enhance its curriculum using the latest Avid technology.

Avid has won three Emmys, a Grammy and two Oscars for its digital-media production hardware and software. It was ranked fourth in the Boston Globe’s 2005 Globe 100 list of best-performing companies.

“VPT was already a first-rate program,” said Coordinator Ron Bellamy, “but for our graduates to continue to meet the needs of employers, we have to stay ahead of the curve.

“That’s why we’re constantly looking for ways we can improve—whether it means professional growth for faculty, equipment purchases or upgrades or partnerships with other media-oriented programs.”

Last year, VPT merged with three other disciplines at Pellissippi State and is now one of four concentrations of Media Technologies, along with Communication Graphics Technology, Photography and Web Technology.

“These days, graduates need both broad knowledge and a specialty area,” Bellamy said. “The Web especially has caused a convergence of industries in graphic arts, broadcasting and photography.” Media Technologies fills that niche.

The program boasts industry-standard software and equipment, and students receive hands-on training. Offered are courses both for people just getting into the profession and for those needing to upgrade their skills.

“Existing students are also encouraged to consider cross-training to suit specific job offers,” said Bellamy.

Bellamy says staying in close contact with local businesses and professionals helps to keep VPT and the other Media Technologies areas aware of local needs.

“Everyone benefits from that kind of interaction,” said Bellamy, “because novices and professionals are able to learn from each other.”

To better meet students’ needs, VPT and the Media Technologies program will soon expand.

Plans are already under way for a new $6.8 million building on the Pellissippi Campus that will house Media Technologies, as well as fine arts classes, exhibit areas and general classrooms.

“The program has terrific potential to grow,” said Bellamy. “We’re now at a takeoff point.”

To view the Avid article, “Local Community College Supports Booming Video Production Market in Tennessee,” visit www.avid.com, Page 4 of the customer showcase.

"Inside Pellissippi" is a bi-monthly electronic publication produced by the Community Relations Office for the faculty and staff of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990. All suggestions and comments should be sent to Julia Wood (jwood@pstcc.edu).

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