#OneNetChampions: Larry Cravens
Kiamichi Technology Center
Information Technology Coordinator
How long have you worked for your organization?
I started with Kiamichi Tech in July 2006. I will have completed my 15th full year this July.
Describe what you do on an everyday basis.
I am responsible for managing all of our organization’s day-to-day IT-related infrastructure and administrative duties. I work primarily out of our administrative offices in Wilburton and travel through our district working with our other staff and campuses. I have five IT specialists that help take care of things across our district’s 11 campuses as a team effort. I am responsible for planning and budgeting IT-related projects for the district, and our department takes care of a broad scope of IT areas. Some of these areas include door access, surveillance, VoIP, switching and routing, PCs, laptops, tablets, mesh Wi-Fi, AV systems and datacenter operations. I serve as a member of our executive leadership team and as a part of our district leadership team as well.
How long has your organization been a OneNet customer?
We have used OneNet for as long as I have been at Kiamichi Tech. The tech center was using OneNet services when I came on board. I also used OneNet services when I was employed at Oklahoma Department of Corrections in April 1999 prior to coming here in 2006. I was able to start a relationship with OneNet staff back then.
How does high-speed internet help your organization serve your community?
OneNet’s high-speed data lines help us to complete our mission of preparing people for success and meet our educational goals. This last year has been challenging, and OneNet has helped us step up to that challenge by providing excellent, reliable and uninterrupted bandwidth. We would not have been able to step up to provide quality virtual instruction at such in increased rate without that partnership. High-speed data allows us to move up to the next level of hands-on instruction by complementing the learning environment virtually and helps us carry out our day-to-day business operations. We recently have moved approximately 70% of our districts voice services over to our network which helps us communicate more efficiently with those we serve.
Why are you a OneNet champion?
OneNet has had unsurpassed customer service with a very friendly, knowledgeable and down-to-earth staff. We are always made to feel like our calls are the only one that matters and that all attention is on us. OneNet staff goes above and beyond to help solve issues when they arise, and we truly appreciate the attention to detail and caring attitude they project. All of my staff have nothing but high praises about the service we receive. The addition of the Oklahoma Community Anchor Network has allowed us to have the access we need at our rural locations. OneNet was key in helping us connect and become a part of that next-level jump that we needed to meet our educational goals. Their value-added services have also saved us thousands of dollars that we are able to focus on other areas of need.
What would you tell others about OneNet?
OneNet is a very reliable and highly competent internet and IT service provider with excellent customer service.