Pace-O-Matic-Penn College partnership benefits IT students

Pace-O-Matic, a developer of legally compliant games of skill and innovative software technology, is exploring additional ways to support students in information technology programs at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Founded in 2000, the Duluth, Georgia-based company is interested in establishing an internship program for the college’s IT students.

The college offers Bachelor of Science degrees in gaming & simulation programming, information assurance & cyber security, network administration & engineering technology, and software development & information management, and an Associate of Applied Science in information technology: network & user support.

Over the past year, Pace-O-Matic and The Pace Foundation have supported the college with gifts totaling nearly $100,000 in support of scholarships and the information technology program, enabling the college to purchase new equipment. Michael Pace, Pace-O-Matic’s founder and chairman, and Paul Goldean, the company’s president and CEO, have also visited the campus with team members to learn more about Penn College’s programs.

Bradley M. Webb, dean of Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, also visited Pace-O-Matic’s headquarters in Georgia to learn more about its operations and internship and workforce needs.

“All of our IT majors are a strong fit,” Webb said. “At Penn College, we prepare students to be ready to work on the first day. I saw many of the technologies we teach in our classes in action at Pace-O-Matic. I believe Pace-O-Matic would welcome our students, who are innovative thinkers, willing to try new ideas – and fail sometimes – and open to sharing ideas.”

Webb came away impressed by what he saw at Pace-O-Matic.

“Before visiting Pace-O-Matic, I knew they created skills games; however, I was unaware of the depth of their operation and the need they have for exceptional IT professionals,” Webb said. “Specifically, I learned that they are a full-service game development studio. This includes digital artists, who develop the art for the game; software developers, who integrate the art into the game and interface the game with auxiliary equipment, such as payment machines; electrical engineers, who helped develop the hardware used for the games; and security experts, who can ensure the safety of operator and gamer transactions.

“They also have a robust quality assurance department that tests all aspects of the game – hardware and software – before implementation and handles issues that arise when games are live in the market. Each day is unique, with employees challenged to think outside the box and handle complex problem-solving on the fly.”

Pace said he is impressed with the IT program and added that it was clear when he visited the campus that the program is a priority for Penn College.

“As someone who took a nontraditional educational path myself, one thing that excites me about this collaboration is the ability to support the next generation in learning unconventional and exciting new trades that will not only forge the future of our technology and gaming industries but our communities as a whole,” Pace said. “At Pace-O-Matic, we are known for our ability to innovate, adapt and push boundaries – and I can see that’s exactly what is happening at Penn College.”

For more information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.