To the Georgia Tech Community:

Dr. G. P. "Bud" Peterson

The Capital Campaign

Following the September 24 public launch and November 12 campus launch, Campaign Georgia Tech is officially “on the road.” Over the next two years, we will be taking the Campaign to alumni and friends across the state, region, nation and world. We’ve already held several of these regional campaign roll out events as part of our historic $1.5-billion fundraising effort and they are generating a level of excitement, enthusiasm and momentum that I am confident will help to provide the critical resources necessary for Georgia Tech to reach its greatest aspirations and realize the ambitious goals and strategies outlined by our newly adopted strategic plan.

Rather than allow the future to define what we do, our goal is to “Define the Future.” Technological change is fundamental to the advancement of the human condition. Given this reality, the world is looking to places like Georgia Tech to provide leadership and innovation to improve and enhance the well being of our country and its citizens. Our motto of “Progress and Service” demands nothing less.

The Strategic Plan, Six Months Later

When the Georgia Tech community embarked on an ambitious journey to develop a 25-year strategic plan, we wanted a document that would help differentiate us in the generation to come, positioning Tech as the “defining technological research university of the 21st century.” It has only been six months since the plan was finalized, and I’m happy to report that we’re making progress. Some of this advancement is noted below, but I encourage you to refer to the strategic plan’s website periodically to see how our goals are being realized through the energy and enthusiasm of our community.

Preparation for Leadership

One of the ways we’ve chosen to prepare students for leadership in their careers and communities is through the development of an academic minor in leadership studies. Sponsored by the School of Public Policy in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and jointly delivered with the Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ILE) in the College of Management, the minor is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of leadership theory, skills and experience through a multidisciplinary program of study.

Undergraduate Education

In response to student feedback requesting more flexibility in the curriculum, Provost Rafael Bras recently formed an exploratory committee for the formation of an X-College. Led by Public Policy Associate Professor Richard Barke, the committee will make recommendations for how such a program would function: balancing core instruction with self-directed learning. Conversely, on the instruction side, we believe this will encourage faculty to experiment with learning techniques and nontraditional formats.

Undergraduate Innovation

Now that the finalists for this year’s InVenture Prize have been named, I invite each of you to tune in to Georgia Public Broadcasting on Wednesday, March 9, to see the passion and creativity of our students on full display. The competition, designed to encourage undergraduate invention, is a high-profile example of our intention to become an “innovation institute.”

Research Clusters

Executive Vice President for Research Steve Cross has begun aligning our research enterprise into theme areas that will both maximize our collective expertise to address societal problems as well as enhance the way we form partnerships with academic, government and corporate entities. The first of these, the Institute for People and Technology, will be led by alumna and College of Computing Professor Beth Mynatt. Future research institutes will focus on our strengths in areas such as logistics, biotechnology and national security.

Health Check

Similarly, the drive to solve persistent global problems has spurred Dr. David Ku and his research team on the path to innovation. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children worldwide, killing more than 4 million annually, and is the focus of a major initiative at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So Ku, working with mechanical engineering students, graduate business students and fellow faculty members, created a quick and economical diagnostic tool, formed a company and received approval to sell the device in the United States. In the near future, this device, which can be administered by anyone, will be saving lives around the world. Their success is nothing short of remarkable and a prime example of the kind of entrepreneurial culture we want to instill at Georgia Tech.

NAE Taps Three

Of the 68 newest members of the National Academy of Engineering, I’m pleased to report there are three with ties to Georgia Tech. Earlier this month, Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering Professor Bill Cook, alumnus Pete Petit and alumna Linda Griffith were elected for their career contributions to engineering education, research and practice. For an engineer, few professional distinctions match this recognition; it is a privilege to call them colleagues.

Closing Time

Sunday, March 6, will mark the final game played in Alexander Memorial Coliseum, a storied venue that opened in 1956 and has hosted intercollegiate athletics, dozens of commencement ceremonies, and even Olympic competitions. To mark the occasion, faculty and staff are invited to attend for just $12, using the promotional code GOTECH at the Athletics website. Let’s fill the stands one last time.

Regent Named to Leadership Role

Finally, our congratulations go out to alumnus Ben Tarbutton, who was recently elected by his peers to serve as vice chair of the University System Board of Regents. Ben will serve out the term of former Vice Chair Felton Jenkins, who died in January. He has been a friend and a stalwart supporter of his alma mater, and it is gratifying to see his fellow regents recognize him with this honor.