OXFORD, Miss. – A successful Jackson businessman, who
developed a technology commercialization model for NASA
that is being used around the world, is scheduled to
deliver a public lecture Tuesday (Feb. 26) at the
University of Mississippi.
Randy Goldsmith, CEO of Mississippi Technology Alliance and
a specialist in technology-based economic development,
speaks at 10 a.m. in Connor Hall, Room 110. Hosted by the
School of Business Administration, the presentation is part
of the Otho Smith Lecture Series and is planned especially
in the interest of MBA students.
“As CEO of the Mississippi Technology Alliance, Dr.
Goldsmith seeks to strengthen Mississippi’s technology
culture, and we believe it is very important for MBA
students to understand the elements that drive innovation
in our state,” said John Holleman, director of corporate
relations and MBA services for the business school. “The
emphasis that MTA places on entrepreneurship is especially
important for MBA students as they consider possibilities
for starting their own businesses, whether it be soon after
their graduation in May or at some point into the future.”
Goldsmith’s model for technology commercialization was
developed for NASA Regional Technology Transfer Centers. It
is also being used by economic development organizations
and professional consultants and companies in the United
Kingdom, South Africa, Sweden, Puerto Rico and throughout
the United States.
Goldsmith received his bachelor’s degree from Hardin
Simmons University and his doctoral and master’s degrees in
urban and regional planning from Texas A&M University.
Before joining MTA, he was assistant vice president for
technology transfer and economic development for the
University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
He has more than 20 years of corporate and small business
experience as a founding entrepreneur and CEO.
The Otho Smith Lecture Series, initiated in 1981 through a
grant from the Phil B. Hardin Foundation, brings prominent
business executives to the UM campus as guest speakers. It
is named for Otho Smith, the late Meridian businessman,
philanthropist and former president of the UM Alumni
Association.
For assistance related to a disability, call
662-915-5820. To learn more about the School of
Business Administration, visit