Q&A With Board Chair John O’Keefe

KINBER is grateful to have a Board of Directors dedicated to our mission, with John O’Keefe of Lafayette College as our Board Chair. We chatted with John to dive into the importance of digital equity, his goals as KINBER’s Board Chair, and more. 

Tell us why digital equity and inclusion are important today, both in higher education and for Pennsylvanians in general.  

As became painfully evident during the pandemic, digital tools, technologies, and applications are now baseline requirements to be an active and successful member of our community. From education to health care, access to basic services requires these capabilities. Therefore, we must ensure that they are available to all so that everyone in the community can thrive.

As board chair, what is your priority for KINBER in the next few years? 

We have an exciting strategic plan that was approved by the board in June, so my priority this year is to support Nathan and the team as they execute the plan. I'm also eager to work with my board friends and colleagues to identify new funding opportunities through grants and fundraising activities that can provide financial support for our ambitious plans.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about digital equity and inclusion?  

I wish that people recognized that it is no longer an option for people to have access to the digital world. It is as fundamental as electricity or clean water. And that it's not just a problem in rural areas. The cost of access is just as significant of a barrier as is availability of network infrastructure. It is a real problem, but there are proven solutions that we just need to scale.

Be sure to follow KINBER on social media to see the latest news and updates!