More Than a Renovation: Reimagining Learning Spaces through In-House Innovation

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 3:15PM–4:00PM CT | EDUCAUSE Commons, Enterprise Central, Poster Area
Session Type: Poster Session
Delivery Format: Poster
What happens when a rural community college places its IT team at the center of academic transformation? The answer was the Center for Learning and Innovation in the college’s main campus—a facility designed not just with, but by, in-house AV/IT, instructional support, and faculty collaboration. This session tells the story of how the college avoided traditional integrators and reimagined physical space as a strategic platform for student success. Learn how in-house teams led the charge to embed hybrid collaboration spaces, immersive 360° environments, and fast capture content studios while ensuring systems remain supportable and sustainable long after ribbon-cutting day. We'll discuss how infrastructure was future-proofed, decisions were intentionally staged, and how the cultural shift from IT as service provider to strategic partner made it all possible. Participants will gain replicable strategies and lessons learned that apply to institutions of any size.

Presenters

  • Ryan Gray

    Executive Director of Technology Engagement and Strategy, Yavapai College

  • James Rider

    IT Specialist - Library, Tutoring, Immersive Learning, Yavapai College