Phil Komarny joined Seton Hill University as the executive director of Computer Information and Technology. In his position, Komarny will manage and implement the University’s strategic plan for technology and specific technology projects.

Komarny most recently served as manager of internet services at Chatham University. He is also the co-founder and owner of NuMedia Design, Inc., which specializes in website development for the virtual market of sports, entertainment, and higher education. Komarny founded the company in 1992.

Komarny will also be instrumental in managing Seton Hill’s Title III funding. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Education awarded the University a grant in the amount of $1,986,148 through its Title III Strengthening Institutions program. The funds, in part, will equip two new classrooms with the latest in interactive and assistive instructional technology and train all full-time faculty and appropriate staff in the use of the technology.

While all of Seton Hill’s classrooms feature modern technology, the new classrooms will be adaptable learning spaces that will facilitate the incorporation of current interactive and assistive technologies into Seton Hill’s teaching and learning environment. Designed to encourage interactive learning – between students and professors, students and their peers, and students and technology - the classrooms will eliminate the “single instructor” perspective by defining multiple “teaching points” around the room. The spaces will support wireless connectivity and will also be designed with a multitude of outlets for student-owned technology, and will feature the latest in PCs, projection equipment, cameras, televisions, computer video cams, video iPods, and reading pens (pen-shaped scanners that can read text aloud, display it on a larger screen, or provide definitions and synonyms). Software will include interactive multi-user virtual-reality environments, as well as assistive software that will, for instance, turn spoken words into type or help capture screen images for use in manuals or reports. Mobile interactive and assistive technology units will be available to enhance the technology in other Seton Hill classrooms when needed.

“I am very impressed with Seton Hill University’s administration and its adoption of new technology. This out of the box thinking is very refreshing to see and was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to work at Seton Hill,” said Komarny.