College to open Jets Studio and Center for Innovation

New spaces empower creativity, collaboration and digital fluency for students and faculty

Jackson College will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its new Jets Studio and Center for Innovation Sandbox on Monday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. in Bert Walker Hall, Central Campus. The new facilities are designed to inspire creativity, enhance learning and expand access to professional digital tools for students and faculty.

Developed through the College’s Innovation 100 initiative, the Jets Studio was created to meet a growing need for accessible tools to produce professional-quality media content. Faculty members wanted to record lectures and course introductions, while students needed a space to complete multimedia assignments and build communication skills.

The project, led by Dr. Sonja L. Howell, Instructional Designer and Developer, took the idea into a professional recording studio featuring a custom-built, one-button recording system developed specifically for Jackson College. The studio allows anyone — student, staff or faculty — to record high-quality video and audio content easily and independently. These tools also allow educators to connect more personally with online and hybrid learners, ensuring every student feels included and supported.

The Jets Studio (Bert Walker Hall Room 207) includes three integrated recording setups:

• Studio Setup: Canon R6 Mark II camera, professional lighting, teleprompter and dual lapel microphones for solo or interview-style recordings.
• Desktop Setup: Webcam, desk microphone and NVIDIA-assisted eye tracking for natural, professional results.
• Board Setup: 55-inch interactive teaching board for presentations and instructional capture.

The Sandbox (Bert Walker Hall Room 238) serves as the collaborative hub of the Center for Innovation. The space connects in-person and online participants seamlessly through integrated microphones, cameras and touch displays, making it easy for everyone to see, hear and contribute equally during workshops, classes and meetings. It promotes the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, supporting faculty in instructional design and innovation which ultimately helps students learn in the classroom.

“Together, the Jets Studio and Sandbox technology upgrade blend creativity, technology and connection, giving students and faculty new tools to create, communicate and innovate,” said Jackson College President, Dr. Daniel J. Phelan. “These tools are so important today. These projects underscore Jackson College’s commitment to student success, wherever and however learning takes place.”   

Join us for a brief ceremony with remarks, the cutting of the ribbon, and an opportunity tour of these new facilities!