Academics

Kevin Morooney elected vice chair of KINBER

Vice Provost for IT will help shape the strategic direction of the organization.

Morooney will work on key KINBER initiatives in his new role as vice chair. Credit: Tom Klimek / Penn StateCreative Commons

Kevin Morooney, vice provost for Information Technology at Penn State, has been elected as the new vice chair for the Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER).

KINBER is a nonprofit organization comprised of education, research, health care and other institutions throughout Pennsylvania. As vice chair, Morooney will help further the organization’s mission of providing broadband connectivity, fostering collaboration and promoting innovative technologies across the Commonwealth. In addition to his role at Penn State, Morooney will serve as KINBER's vice chair for two years before becoming chair for another two years.

“I am honored and excited to step into my position as KINBER’s new vice chair,” said Morooney. “I’m looking forward to working with the organization to help spread learning and innovation throughout the Commonwealth.”

Wendy Huntoon, KINBER’s executive director, says Morooney was chosen by KINBER for his leadership skills and mutual interests in collaboration and networking.

“Kevin has shown his leadership capabilities and his interest and involvement in the national networking community,” said Huntoon, “as evidenced by the fact that he received Internet2’s President’s Leadership Award in April.”

Internet2’s leadership award recognizes exceptional leadership in the Internet2 community, a group of research, academic, industrial and government leaders who collaborate with and through innovative technologies.

As vice chair, Morooney will assume Chair Jinx Walton’s duties in the event of her absence, work on key projects and participate as a member of the board to shape the strategic direction of KINBER as it evolves and grows into its next phase.

KINBER’s flagship project is the Pennsylvania Research and Education Network (PennREN). The network consists of more than 1,600 miles of fiber and connects more than 70 locations in Pennsylvania. PennREN provides next generation broadband that enables services like ultra high-definition video, colocation, disaster recovery and data sharing. The collaborative environment also provides opportunities for member institutions to share best practices, content and programs.

For more IT stories at Penn State, visit Current at http://current.it.psu.edu.

Last Updated January 21, 2015