Through the wonders of modern technology, anyone who wants to know what is happening on the Drill Field can see a picture of it online at any given moment, as Mississippi State University has its first netcam.
The netcam, a small camera that sits in the McCain engineering building, allows students, faculty and alumni to view the Drill Field at any time of the day.
“The netcam gives people all over the world an opportunity to see MSU from the McCain Engineering building,” said Alan Lovelace, a graduate student in the department of industrial engineering.
The netcam provides a panoramic, westward view of the Drill Field and some surrounding buildings 24 hours a day. It is an MP Internet and a 1.3-mega pixel digital camera that provides a quality image. The image is updated every five seconds for anyone who wants to see it.
“This is the only one on campus,” said Lovelace. “Ole Miss has three. It is a long tradition of MSU to work on being superior to Ole Miss.”
Jeff Hartsog, a Jackson dentist, donated $1,000 for the netcam. He graduated from MSU with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering in 1971 and 1973.
“Jeff has always been a strong supporter and loyal bulldog fan,” said Larry G. Brown, professor and head of industrial engineering department.
Hartsog has maintained close ties with the department since his graduation. He currently serves as a member of the department’s Industrial Engineering Advisory Committee and also donated office 260H in McCain.
“It is a real joy that we have alumni who support the department in many ways, but also make it possible for others to enjoy what students can see everyday,” said Lovelace.
Lovelace believes the netcam will attract people to their Web site and let people know more about industrial engineering.
“I believe that this is a great chance for people who have never seen our campus to see the Drill Field because it is a big part of the tradition of MSU,” said Ashley Powell, a senior in Industrial Engineering. “It also helps bring people to the industrial engineering Web site.”