We are thrilled to share that Old Dominion University (ODU), alongside our integration partner AVI-SPL, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Higher Ed AV “Best Classroom Install (Upgrade)” Gold Award!
Presented at InfoComm—the AV industry's largest annual trade show in North America—this award provides national recognition from our higher education peers, celebrating the campus-wide rollout of ODU's Forward-Focused classroom initiative.
Redefining the Campus Experience
The Forward-Focused initiative was built on a simple premise: modernize teaching spaces to prioritize flexibility, consistency, and intuitive design. Rather than just replacing old hardware, ODU and AVI-SPL created a scalable tech ecosystem that enhances how faculty teach and how students learn.
Key Highlights of the Modernization:
- Tailored Display Systems: Custom projection and LED setups sized to room layouts, featuring interactive digital boards in select spaces for real-time annotation and content comparison.
- Universal Content Sharing: Faculty and students can share content wirelessly from whatever personal device or laptop they bring into the room.
- Seamless Hybrid & Capture Tools: Integrated lecture capture, presenter-tracking cameras, and enhanced audio systems make hybrid instruction and session recording effortless.
- Standardized Workflows: Uniform instructor stations across campus significantly reduce the faculty learning curve, building confidence and minimizing downtime.
Validating the Vision
What makes this Gold Award so meaningful is that it serves as independent, third-party confirmation of the standards held throughout the project.
By transitioning traditional lecture spaces into active, participatory environments, these classrooms support diverse learning styles, improve accessibility for students reviewing coursework, and prepare graduates for tech-integrated workplaces.
"This recognition reflects more than a simple technology upgrade,” says Chrysoula Malogianni, Senior Associate Vice President for Digital Innovation & Chief Digital Experience Officer. “It demonstrates a commitment to creating innovative, future-ready learning environments that elevate teaching and champion student success.”
A Shared Accomplishment
A massive congratulations to the ODU team and our partners at AVI-SPL for their vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit. Receiving national recognition of this caliber is a testament to what happens when instructional goals and strategic AV engineering align.
As we continue scaling across campus, ODU remains proud to lead the way in higher education innovation!