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New School at IS&T Presents 'Enormous Opportunities'

September 17, 2010
by Nick Schniker

The new School of Interdisciplinary Informatics firmly places the College of Information Science & Technology (IS&T) "on the leading edge of technology and education," said Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy.

Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy talks about the new School of Interdisciplinary Informatics.
Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy talks about the new School of Interdisciplinary Informatics.

In remarks at the opening ceremony Sept. 16, Sheehy noted the school's potential for drawing new business and students to the state. "The School of Interdisciplinary Informatics will greatly enhance our ability to attract and retain the best and the brightest," Sheehy said.

UNO Chancellor John Christensen lauded IS&T Dean Dr. Hesham Ali and Dr. Ann Fruhling, associate professor and the school's founding director, for their "wisdom, vision and extraordinary effort."

As technology continues to permeate society, Dr. Christensen said, "This school is coming on line at the right time, and certainly at the right place."

He also noted the "enormous opportunities for research and external funding" the school creates.

Dubbed Si2 for short, the school is the home of undergraduate and graduate degrees in bioinformatics, information assurance and the new bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT) Innovation. Ten faculty members form the teaching core of the school, while many faculty from other disciplines will have affiliate or courtesy appointments. Currently, 112 students are enrolled in the schools various programs.

Dr. Fruhling told the audience, which included UNO deans, faculty, staff, members of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and community partners, that the school will provide opportunities for collaboration with other disciplines through shared curriculum and collaborative applied research. She said it will also serve as a resource for IS&T's community partners in the areas of information assurance, health care, bioinformatics, public health informatics, business and government.

"Everyone agrees that interdisciplinary education is the future of higher education," she said, "and the School of Interdisciplinary Informatics is the new paradigm for higher education."

Dr. Ali said that since its inception, the college has worked hard to build "virtual bridges" with other academic units, state and local government entities, businesses and the community. "This school helps us to further cement these bridges we've worked so hard to establish," he said.

More information about the new school may be obtained by contacting the Dean's office at 402-554-2380, or by visiting http://si2.ist.unomaha.edu/.