What's the Plan?
By Glenn Mroz '74, President
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Tech's Strategic Plan focuses on people; distinctive education; and research, scholarship, and creativity. We believe it is right on target, and this edition of the Michigan Tech Magazine showcases people who are bringing it to life.
Our first goal is defined as "attracting and supporting a world-class and diverse faculty, staff, and student population," and we must start young to accomplish this. The 2006 YES! Expo brought more than fifteen-thousand middle- and high-school students to Ford Field in Detroit this November, exposing them to the exciting possibilities in engineering and science education and careers. America needs outstanding engineers, scientists, and business leaders, and we must begin with the most capable students who seek to learn with the most gifted teachers and researchers. The YES! Expo story reveals one way we are working toward this goal.
Our second goal is "to deliver a distinctive and rigorous discovery-based learning experience grounded in science, engineering, technology, sustainability, and the business of innovation." In other words, we want to make people's lives better, and Assistant Professor of Psychology Deak Helton's work is a great example of doing just that. His innovative research with dogs might reveal how humans learn to make tasks "automatic" and could have great potential in society. And, all across campus faculty members are exploring the boundaries of new knowledge.
Our final goal is "to establish world-class research, scholarship, and innovation in science, engineering, and technology that promotes sustainable economic development in Michigan and the nation." With alumni like Frank Pavlis, this goal is well within reach. His Pavlis Institute for Global Technological Leadership is an excellent example of a great alumnus impacting tomorrow's leaders. "Now that I'm older and wiser, I'm concerned about America's role in the world," Pavlis says. We are very grateful for the support he is giving Michigan Tech and the nation by helping educate future leaders.
These are but a few examples that prove that we are, indeed, pursuing our Strategic Plan. And, most importantly, they are evidence that we are preparing our students to create the future.
Glenn D. Mroz
President