Dr. Peterson (center) with Chancellor Erroll Davis (left) and Bernie Marcus.
As I have discussed at several meetings across campus the past several months, we are preparing to embark on a strategic planning process to envision what Georgia Tech should look like in 25 years, at the 150th anniversary of its founding. Once we have a clearer picture of the Georgia Tech of the future, we can determine what we must do in the next 12-18 months, the next 3-5 years, and the next 10-12 years to help bring this vision to fruition. It is my hope and expectation to be able to formally announce and launch this initiative as part of the Investiture Ceremony to be held on September 3. As you might expect, there is a considerable amount of planning and organization that must take place prior to this formal announcement, to determine exactly how we should approach this effort and how it should be organized, so as to provide ample opportunities for input from the entire Georgia Tech community.
As a first step, the President's Cabinet, the deans, and the leaders of our affiliated organizations (Georgia Tech Foundation, Georgia Tech Alumni Association, and Georgia Tech Athletic Association) came together on August 3 for a focused, day-long discussion designed to develop a preliminary list of the key issues to be addressed.
This initial meeting was followed by a second meeting on August 24 of the President's Cabinet, the deans, members of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and other campus leaders and invited guests. At this second meeting, we began to set the stage for the strategic planning process and undertake broader discussions of the issues and approach to be used.
It is my hope and expectation that these two meetings will lead up to and prepare us for the formal announcement on September 3 as part of my Investiture Address. Later that afternoon, we will invite the entire campus community to join in the discussion through a series of directed discussion sessions, in order to develop a shared vision for Georgia Tech. It is my hope that you will join in these discussions and this process on both September 3 and in many other venues that will be scheduled throughout the academic year.
Over the course of the next several weeks, we will be developing and distributing additional information on this process and the various individuals and groups involved. I look forward to working with you as we undertake this initiative and build on our strong history and traditions and develop a plan for the future of Georgia Tech.
G. P. "Bud" Peterson
President