MESA, Arizona -- Oct. 3, 2024 -- Jeff Foster, audio visual analyst in Media Services at Mesa Community College, was named a Zoom Education Ambassador for his dedication to advancing technology to support MCC students, faculty and staff and his leadership in the field.

Zoom’s new program enables ambassadors to play a critical role in shaping the future of technology in education. Foster is among the inaugural members of this exclusive group.

His responsibilities in Media Services at MCC include installation, set up and management (including troubleshooting and maintenance) of audio visual systems technology for classrooms, events, meetings and instructional sessions to insure seamless presentations, teaching and communication within the organization.

Having started his two-year term as ambassador in August 2024, the Mesa resident will be given numerous opportunities to exchange best practices, promote effective use cases, present at conferences, write articles, engage in social media outreach and actively integrate into the ambassador community.

“MCC meets every other month with our Zoom representative and he suggested I apply (to the program),” said Foster, a 10-year MCC staff member. “I thought it would be good to have conversations with other institutions to see what they are doing with Zoom.”

Foster is excited at the prospect of gaining early access to beta software and providing feedback for product improvements as well as connecting with like-minded professionals. With these opportunities he hopes to better support students, faculty and staff. “I am part of a program designed to deepen my understanding of Zoom’s features, tools and best practices for educational environments,” he explained.

“This program helps me better support students, faculty and staff by equipping me with advanced knowledge and strategies to optimize Zoom's use in classrooms, meetings and virtual events. It enhances my ability to train others, troubleshoot effectively as well as have discussions with other institutions on how they are using this product.”

Demonstrating an interest in working with gadgets and tinkering with electronics and computers at a young age, Foster has been involved in the technology field for more than 20 years.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.