WT Joins Statewide Internet Consortium Through Texas A&M University System

Partnership Promises Benefits in Research, Connectivity for WT Faculty, Students

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University officially has joined a statewide internet network that will significantly boost the University's research and academic capabilities.

Over the summer, digital infrastructure upgrades were completed that tie WT into the Trans-Texas Digital Network, a data and interactive communications network that's an integral part of The Texas A&M University System.

The high-speed fiberoptic data network will provide WT users with access to Internet2, a national computing network consortium that provides a secure high-speed network, cloud solutions, support and educational services.

This will significantly boost the University's research and academic capabilities, as well as ensure that users will not be limited by bandwidth and will not experience bottlenecks in internet speed, said James Webb, vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

"We are truly facilitating WT's vision of connecting the Panhandle to the world," WT President Walter V. Wendler said. "This partnership exemplifies the implementation of quality and excellence in digital standards at WT."

The TTDN connection is essential for managing large-scale data, conducting complex computations and fostering collaboration with leading research institutions globally.

Improved cybersecurity options also will provide additional layers of protection for digital assets and personal information.

The improvements will make the direct connection even stronger for the Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach program at WT, further ensuring that students in Canyon and College Station receive the same classroom experience. The improvements also will impact the Charles W. Graham DVM Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Building and the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, now under construction.

The upgrades also provide improvements for recreational internet uses, such as streaming video and gaming in residence halls.

"Our commitment is to drive digital transformation that delivers tangible results for the University," Webb said. "By integrating with a network infrastructure built by and for The Texas A&M University System, we are providing a world-class digital experience that empowers our faculty, staff, and students to excel in their research and academic pursuits. The addition of the high-performance computing cluster amplifies this impact, providing our researchers with the tools they need to innovate and lead."

TTDN, which began as the Trans-Texas Videoconference Network, has undergone significant upgrades since 2021, offering increased bandwidth capabilities, improved redundancy measures and cutting-edge cybersecurity protocols.

"Our mission is to foster advanced research, high-quality education and efficient collaboration through high-speed network connectivity for System members," said Braly Beavers, TTDN executive director. "We are happy that we can extend that service to the WT community."

WT has been an online pioneer since 1997, when it built one of the first learning management systems in the world. WT has provided a virtual data center since 2008, with multiple servers capable of providing connections for nearly 10,000 students and more than 1,200 faculty and staff.

WT also provides high-speed Wi-Fi in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, not only assisting in experiential learning experiences for students, but also providing reliable, fast internet access for park visitors.

Enhancing the digital experience for all WT users is a key goal of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About the Trans-Texas Digital Network

TTDN is the wide area data and interactive communications network that serves the campuses and agencies of The Texas A&M University System. TTDN provides enterprise-class commodity internet, Internet2, and Texas Intranet data services to all members of the Texas A&M System and the extended TTVN community.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

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