To the Georgia Tech Community:

Dr. G. P. "Bud" Peterson

The preliminary draft subcommittee reports are in, and we are in the process of creating a cohesive vision for Georgia Tech and a first draft of the plan. I hope that those of you who were in attendance at the Jan. 21 town hall to discuss our Strategic Vision enjoyed the lively conversation. Joe Bankoff's presentation — a hypothetical look back from the future — was engaging, entertaining, and inspiring, and I think we all benefited from his unique perspective on how Georgia Tech might evolve over the next twenty-five years.

Now comes the hard part. While it is relatively easy to think creatively and expansively about what Georgia Tech might be, trying to put that in some sort of consolidated vision will be a real challenge. This is the time when we begin to commit ideas to paper, and in my experience the process of narrowing the focus is not taken lightly or done easily. A writing team of faculty and staff is currently working to develop a first draft. Once completed, we will offer each of you the opportunity to comment through the Strategic Vision Web site.

Tech Expertise Sought for National Appointments

Two recent faculty appointments are the latest high-profile examples of the ways Georgia Tech demonstrates its commitment to public service. Last month, Georgia Tech Research Institute Director and Vice President Steve Cross accepted a position on the National Defense Science Board, a key advisory group to the Department of Defense that helps to shape national research and development strategies for the next century. More recently, Robert Braun accepted a role with NASA to serve as the agency’s principal advisor and advocate on matters concerning technology policy and programs. These kinds of affiliations send a powerful signal to decision-makers in Washington, and showcase the depth and breadth of our technological expertise.

Georgia Tech Day at the Gold Dome

Thanks to the good work of several of our elected representatives, a large number of students and administrators were at the state capitol on Tuesday, February 9, in recognition of Georgia Institute of Technology Day, commending “the student leaders from the Georgia Institute of Technology for their commitment to promoting the goals of the university.” It is a fine tribute to an outstanding group of young men and women.

A Graduate Showcase

While at the recent Research and Innovation Conference, I was struck by the breadth of the accumulated knowledge and discoveries within our fine graduate student body. More than 300 students came together for an evening of camaraderie and the awarding of $85,000 in scholarships and venture capital. Beyond the funding, though, what is even more exciting to me is the cross-pollination among our students, the conversations they start, and the opportunities for new collaborative relationships that exist. Kudos go to the Graduate Student Government Association for their role in renewing enthusiasm for this annual event.

Regents Award Professor for Teaching

Congratulations go to School of Mathematics Associate Professor Matt Baker, who has received the University System of Georgia Board of Regents 2010 Teaching Excellence Award, the highest faculty honor at the state’s public colleges and universities. Baker was recognized for his undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentoring research students, and outreach to high school and community groups.

Honoring a Legacy

The Board of Regents paid a fitting tribute to the Institute’s tenth president earlier this month, granting Dr. Wayne Clough the title president emeritus of Georgia Tech. We intend to honor him personally later this spring at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Undergraduate Learning Commons that will be named in his honor.

Opportunity for All

Each February, the celebration of Black History Month reminds all of us of the many contributions of Black Americans and the astounding impact they and those contributions have had, and continue to have on our history and heritage. It is also a reminder of our responsibility to provide opportunities, access, and support for all who want to be a part of our community. So while we should be proud of our status as one of the largest producers of Black or African-American engineers, we cannot be content to be merely the largest, we must also be the best. There is much work left to do and we must continue to think more broadly about how to continually improve our programs and practices.

Celebrating Engineers

Lastly, I want to point out that this week, February 14-20, is National Engineers Week, and what the discipline means to Georgia Tech. For all our advances in other academic and research fields, it is our engineering programs that remain the primary driver of our prestige, national reputation, and external funding. I believe our institutional priorities must include careful consideration of the ramifications any decisions have on our engineering franchise. At the same time, we should not let debate prevent us from vigorously pursuing those new and exciting academic intersections that build upon our natural strengths.