Ohio University expands technology funding through National Health Care Consortium

What began as a routine professional conference became an opportunity to secure long-term funding support for Ohio University’s technology infrastructure and connectivity services.

Discovering a new funding opportunity

In November 2025, representatives from the Ohio University Office of Information Technology (OIT) attended the Fall OARNet Member Meeting, where the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) introduced a national consortium that helps eligible colleges and universities access funding through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rural Health Care Program.

The program provides more than $700 million annually to support technology and connectivity for organizations involved in health care education and services.

The consortium offers significant financial benefits for qualifying institutions, including reimbursement of up to 65% on eligible technology expenses and discounted pricing on internet, telecommunications and network infrastructure services. Eligible expenses can include internet connectivity, cabling, network hardware, wireless equipment, maintenance contracts and professional services.

Building a cross-planning unit collaboration

After learning about the opportunity, Jeremy Kinnard from OHIO OIT began coordinating a cross-planning unit effort to determine whether Ohio University could qualify for consortium membership.

The initiative brought together expertise from OHIO IT, the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Business Service Center.

Eric Clift from the Heritage College evaluated the University’s eligibility based on the college’s medical education programs, accreditation and rural health mission. Renee Perry from the Business Service Center led the financial and administrative review process, while Kinnard worked directly with UAMS representatives to coordinate documentation, eligibility reviews and application requirements.

After several months of collaboration and documentation review, Ohio University was officially approved for consortium membership in March 2026. Eligibility was established through services provided by the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Athens Campus, Hudson Health Center, the Heritage College Cleveland Campus and the Heritage College Dublin Campus.

Delivering measurable savings

In April 2026, OHIO IT submitted the University’s first reimbursement request for annual OARNet membership costs. The request was approved for a 65% reimbursement, resulting in an estimated $114,400 in savings that will be realized in fall 2027.

The impact of the consortium extends beyond a single reimbursement. As long as the FCC Rural Health Care Program remains active, OHIO IT plans to continue submitting eligible operational and capital expenses for reimbursement consideration each year.

Supporting Ohio University’s technology future

This effort demonstrates how collaboration across planning units can create new opportunities to strengthen the University’s technology foundation while reducing operational costs.

By aligning expertise across OHIO IT, the Heritage College and the Business Service Center, Ohio University positioned itself to recover substantial funding that can be reinvested into the infrastructure supporting education, research and health care services across the institution.