By: Chelsea Robinson
When people think of technologies like artificial intelligence or quantum computing, they often imagine corporate labs or university campuses – not rural schools, local libraries, or small-town health clinics. But according to MCNC President and CEO Tracy Doaks, that’s exactly where these technologies need to be integrated next.
Doaks leads MCNC, a nonprofit that operates North Carolina’s statewide middle-mile network. The organization connects thousands of public institutions across all 100 counties, including K-20 schools, libraries, health clinics, and local governments.
Under her leadership, MCNC is preparing these systems not only for today’s needs but for the technologies that could define tomorrow.
Investing in the Future
With a career that spans public-sector IT, broadband strategy, and statewide cybersecurity, Doaks has always been attuned to how rapidly technology evolves. She also understands that the pace of innovation often outpaces access, especially in rural communities.
That awareness drives MCNC’s long-range strategy: focusing not just on near-term upgrades, but on investments aimed at supporting the infrastructure demands of AI, quantum computing, and other forward-looking tools.
This includes increasing fiber capacity, reducing latency, and enhancing security for real-time, high-volume data environments.
Doaks has emphasized that communities shouldn’t wait until new technologies are widespread to start preparing for them. Infrastructure needs to be in place before those innovations arrive, so that those who need them most can quickly take advantage once that final connection is made.
Quantum, AI, and Public Infrastructure
MCNC is already working to ensure that the state’s public digital backbone can support these emerging technologies.
Whether it’s precision medicine, advanced research, or smart agriculture, many future applications will rely on networks that are fast, secure, and well-integrated across regions. For instance, ensuring that hospitals, research labs, and educational institutions have access to this infrastructure will allow North Carolina to become a leading state in advancing health care and scientific discovery. By focusing on creating these connections, the state will be better positioned to address complex challenges, such as disease prevention and efficient resource management, through the power of innovative technology.
Doaks sees this work not as optional, but as a necessity, especially for rural areas that could risk being left behind in the fast-evolving digital landscape. For her, AI and quantum capacity have the potential to close the digital divide and create new opportunities for economic and social advancement; preparation, therefore, is an act of equity.
Innovation with Inclusion in Mind
At the heart of MCNC’s approach is a belief that infrastructure must be built with people in mind. The organization doesn’t just expand fiber; it builds partnerships with educators, health care providers, and local leaders to understand what future-readiness really means for their communities.
With people at the heart of these innovations, Doaks has long advocated for digital literacy and workforce development as part of infrastructure planning. She believes that access alone isn’t enough; communities also need the tools, knowledge, and confidence to leverage what technology can offer.
That perspective is especially relevant as AI reshapes learning, hiring, and health care. Preparing networks is just one part of the equation. Preparing people is the other.
Infrastructure for All – Not Some
At MCNC, preparing for future technologies means looking beyond fiber and hardware. It means creating infrastructure that strengthens communities, supports public missions, and keeps up with rapid change.
Whether it’s defending against next-generation cyber threats or enabling breakthroughs in AI and quantum, the work is about readiness for everyone.
For Tracy Doaks, true innovation means building a future where no community is left waiting for access, security, or opportunity.
