Midwestern State University received a grant award for $132,785 from the Telecommunic

Although many institutions of higher education already have Internet access, this grant will provide MSU with stronger infrastructure and modern technology, including videoconferencing equipment and workstations.

In the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's plan titled Closing the Gaps, goals were established for all of the state's higher education institutions that emphasize four major themes: participation, success, excellence and research.

This grant initiative recommended strategies in which infrastructure can accomplish some of the goals established in Closing the Gaps.

MSU will use the grant funds specifically to update and expand technology. This was a non-competitive higher education grant that will have significant outcomes for MSU as well as for the entire state of Texas. "Our institution is eager to begin this project," said Pam Morgan. "The idea of æClosing the Gaps' for all Texas students in the P-16 school system is one that can become a reality. We are excited about the possibilities that technology offers students and potential students."

Since its creation by the 74th Legislature in 1995, TIF has awarded approximately $1.2 billion in telecommunications grants to school districts and charter schools, two and four-year colleges and universities, public libraries and branches, public and not-for-profit healthcare facilities, innovative discovery collaboratives, and community network collaborations. For more information, contact TIF at 1-888-533-(TIFB) 8432 or visit http://www.tifb.state.tx.us.