To the Georgia Tech Community:

Dr. G. P. "Bud" Peterson

Several recent speaking engagements have led me to become even more deeply engaged in the national conversation on the future of higher education. When the competitive landscape is flattened, mobile, and diverse, what will be the characteristics that distinguish our nation’s students from those at institutions around the globe? It’s the question at the heart of our stated desire to “define the technological research institution of the 21st century,” and why we are moving aggressively to develop a strategic framework that will help us realize this vision.

None of us has a crystal ball, but what is clear is that our nation’s position as a leader in research and innovation will erode unless we make choices and investments that adequately prepare our students with the educational background, problem—solving and leadership skills necessary for a future we can only begin to grasp. As so succinctly stated in a YouTube video, “we are currently preparing students for jobs that do not yet exist using technologies that have not been invented in order to solve problems we have not yet identified.” This represents an enormous challenge for us, as educators.

Beyond education, of course, the choices we make now and in the next several years will impact how we conduct research, partner with the community, and transact business for many years to come. That is why we have enlisted the best minds within our community and asked them to help chart a course for our future, and why we continue to seek your input in the process. If Georgia Tech is to continue in the leadership role we now enjoy, we cannot be satisfied with the status quo; we must evolve and change.

Strategic Planning Update

Our strategic planning process continues in earnest. On October 20 we were fortunate to hear from noted futurist Dr. James Canton, who was invited to campus to lend his perspective on the dominant global trends in the coming decades. Those in attendance were treated to a very thought-provoking presentation that is stimulating conversation and generating “big ideas” for us to consider incorporating into our final plan.

The co-chairs for each of our strategic theme subcommittees continue to collect input and feedback from the Tech community. Last week, we hosted two workshops for faculty, staff, and students who volunteered to participate through the Web site. Their contributions will help shape the preliminary draft reports, due in December.

Seeking Leadership at the Highest Level

As I mentioned in a memo to campus on October 21, we will soon be announcing the formation of a search committee and initiating a nationwide search that will identify our next provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Our objective is to attract exceptional candidates, both outside and from within Georgia Tech, who have the enthusiasm and leadership skills to help us implement our strategic vision. In the interim, we are grateful that Gary Schuster has agreed to remain in place as provost until a successor is named.

Students Celebrate Undergraduate Research Publication

I recently finished reviewing The Tower, Tech’s new undergraduate research journal, and it is truly a remarkable achievement. The quality of the research presented is matched only by the dedication of the students, faculty, and staff who were involved in bringing this project to fruition. As an institution, we have made a commitment to strengthening the research experiences of our undergraduates, and I think The Tower represents the kind of bottom-up support essential to achieving our goal. Congratulations to all on some remarkable work and a fine publication.

Service to the State

The notion of service to the citizens of Georgia is deeply embedded in Georgia Tech’s culture. That service takes many forms, whether it’s our sought-after academic expertise, the economic development we foster through our research contracts and entrepreneurial culture, or the work of our many service-oriented student organizations. In 2008, Georgia Tech faculty and staff contributed more than $311,000 to the statewide charitable campaign, accounting for 23 percent of the contributions within the entire University of Georgia System and earning recognition from the governor’s office. These gifts provided assistance to individuals and organizations in every county across the state. Despite economic conditions that have left everyone feeling the pinch, we hope to continue our strong record of giving this year, as we "Help Build a Brighter Tomorrow" for our fellow Georgians.

White, Gold & Green

It is gratifying to see Georgia Tech receive external validation for our comprehensive institutional approach to sustainable practices. The 2010 report from the Sustainable Endowments Institute recently rewarded our effort with an ‘A’ rating in seven of nine categories — earning us additional acknowledgement as a national campus sustainability leader — and a ‘B’ rating overall.

Leaving Our Mark

In a sense, this year’s Homecoming was also an anniversary. One year ago, Val and I hopped a plane to Atlanta, travelling incognito to explore an employment opportunity at Georgia Tech by experiencing its culture firsthand. It was a trip that reinforced my interest in joining this institution. Yet as exciting as that weekend was, it was eclipsed by our football team’s stirring 28-23 victory over Virginia Tech a few weeks back. A growing reputation on the gridiron, however, also brings increased national scrutiny, which is why it is incumbent upon each of us in attendance to participate in a manner consistent with our institutional values. Together, we can keep the focus on the players and their successes. They represent us well and deserve our very best as fans and supporters, regardless of the outcome of any particular contest.