OXFORD, Miss. – Three years ago, Norman R. Augustine chaired a National
Academies’ committee addressing America’s response to the challenges of
globalization and increased competitiveness in the science and
technology enterprise. At the request of Congress, the committee –
which included university presidents, Nobel Prize winners, CEOs and
former presidential appointees – made four primary recommendations
which, if enacted, could help ensure the U.S. workforce continues to
advance in these strategic arenas.
Following a question-and-answer session, Augustine is to attend a reception in Bryant Hall. The reception is sponsored by the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation.
“The standard of living that most Americans have come to enjoy is dependent upon the nation’s ability to maintain a leading position in science, engineering and innovation,” Augustine said. “The government’s investment in research and development has declined in recent years while business has generally focused on development rather than research. The consequence is (that) absent significant actions, America’s competiveness – and the standard of living it supports – is likely to deteriorate significantly.”
In “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” (the committee’s extensive written report), it is recommended that America increase its talent pool by vastly improving K-12 mathematics and science education. Other recommendations are to sustain and strengthen the nation’s commitment to long-term basic research; develop, recruit and retain top students, scientists and engineers from both the U.S. and abroad; and ensure that the U.S. is the premier place in the world for innovation.
“It is an honor to welcome Mr. Augustine to our campus,” said Alice Clark, UM vice chancellor of Research and Sponsored Programs. “He has been a lifelong advocate for enhancing investment in research, education and innovation for the sciences.”
Augustine was raised in Colorado and attended Princeton University, where he graduated with a BSE in Aeronautical Engineering and an MSE. The retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp., Augustine serves on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and has served as undersecretary of the Army. He is a recipient of the National Medal of Technology and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Distinguished Public Service Award.
A five-time recipient of the Department of Defense’s Distinguished Service Medal (its highest civilian decoration), Augustine was selected by Who’s Who in America and the Library of Congress as one of Fifty Great Americans on the occasion of Who’s Who’s 50th anniversary. A prolific author, he co-wrote “The Defense Revolution” and “Shakespeare in Charge” and authored “Augustine’s Laws” and “Augustine’s Travels.” Augustine holds 22 honorary degrees and has served in the leadership of numerous professional societies and organizations.
UM hosts the first presidential debate of the 2008 campaign on Sept. 26. Sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates in Washington, D.C., the event is to be broadcast live from the Ford Center for the Performing Arts on the Oxford campus and covered by an estimated 3,000 journalists from throughout the world.
For video of Augustine, visit http://www7.nationalacademies.org/giving/Shaping?the?Future?Symposium.html
For more information about “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” visit http://www.nationalacademies.org/cosepup . For more information about the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at UM, go to http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/research or call 662-915-7482.