Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 18, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke dedicates electronic classroom at WSU College of Business and Economics

PULLMAN - Gov. Gary Locke cut the ceremonial ribbon today dedicating a new $500,000 Management Information Systems electronic classroom in the Washington State University College of Business and Economics.

"I'm very pleased to be here today for the dedication of WSU's newest, multi-media, electronic classroom," said Locke. "This lab, with its networked computers and the latest and best software will enable our students to use the most advanced information technology to solve business problems and to help companies gain and keep a competitive advantage."

WSU also announced that Microsoft Research, University Relations made an $825,000 gift to WSU's M-I-S business program and its new e-classroom by donating 1,075 licenses of the latest Microsoft business software.

The e-classroom will offer state-of-the-art tools to help train students pursuing M-I-S degrees for careers in information technology.

When asked, "what is M-I-S?" Glenn Johnson, dean of the WSU College of Business and Economics, said, "It's definitely NOT computer programming. It is the design, implementation, deployment, management and study of computer-based information systems in organizations." Johnson added, "Our students are stepping up to the challenge. M-I-S is our most popular major and our graduates are accepting career offers in Washington with starting salaries around $45,000, plus signing bonuses and stock options."

"Facilities such as this, backed up by talented faculty and dedicated students, will provide Washington's economy with the skilled workforce we need to stay competitive and to enjoy a thriving economy," added Locke.

"This M-I-S lab demonstrates a real partnership among government, educators and industry -- a partnership that can provide our high tech industries with skilled workers who meet the standards of their industry," said Locke. "We fill the jobs; we also fill the lives of every person in Washington with hope and promise so that everybody shares in the wealth."

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