University of Arkansas Appoints Executive Director for Arkansas Research and Optical Network

http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/12450.htm

Michael Abbiatti, the associate commissioner of information and learning technology for the Louisiana Board of Regents, has been appointed as executive director of the Arkansas Research and Optical Network at the University of Arkansas. He will begin his duties on July 1, 2008.

ARE-ON, a high-speed, fiber-based optical communications network established and operated by a consortium of public four-year universities in Arkansas, is a state entity governed by the presidents and chancellors of participating institutions, in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

Abbiatti brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He co-founded and co-created the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative, which was designed as an economic tool empowering research and academic communities to become a more effective economic development resource. Abbiatti was also Louisiana's initial member of the National LambdaRail board of directors and was responsible for the creation and management of the Louisiana Education and Research Network as a statewide Internet2 resource.