The Digital Exploration Center (DEC), a 7,000-square-foot hub for hands-on digital creation, has officially launched. This space empowers students, faculty, and staff to develop cutting-edge projects using advanced technology and experimentation.
Situated on the fourth floor of the John C. Hitt Library, the DEC stands as a key facility for immersive technologies, digital scholarship, and creative production. Recent data shows an 80% increase in library usage, highlighting the impact of investments in tech, learning areas, and support services.
Key Features of the Digital Exploration Center
The center provides a wide array of tools, including immersive technologies, a professional podcast studio, production workshops, collaboration areas, and high-performance computing resources. These are accessible to everyone in the university community, from first-time undergraduate podcasters to faculty tackling data-intensive research.
Spotlight on the Immersion Studio
At the heart of the DEC lies the Immersion Studio, featuring a three-wall, 270-degree projection setup with surround sound and interactive touch-enabled walls. Users can explore virtual environments, travel through time and space, or simulate missions like Apollo 17—all from campus.
“The Digital Exploration Center underscores a commitment to innovation, student success, and academic excellence, fostering a space where technology meets creativity and expertise,” states Library Dean Beau Case.
Empowering Creative and Scholarly Projects
Expert staff offer workshops, consultations, and collaboration to help transform ideas into podcasts, research outputs, and other digital works. “This space advances discussions on digital initiatives and positions the library as a true partner in research and education,” says Rachel Vacek, associate dean for digital strategies, impact, and visibility. “Beyond the advanced tech, it offers endless possibilities with a team ready to guide ideas into meaningful digital scholarship.”
The DEC expands on prior successes, such as the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio that debuted in 2024, funded by the generosity of the late President Emeritus John C. Hitt and his family, along with a second-floor video and photography studio. These paved the way for the center’s broader vision, according to Dean Case.
An event called “Establishing a Digital Presence” takes place Thursday, Feb. 26, in the DEC (registration required).
