Spectrum - Volume 17 Issue 17 January 26, 1995 - Continuing ed, outreach programs reorganized

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Continuing ed, outreach programs reorganized

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 17 - January 26, 1995

President Paul Torgersen has announced the reorganization of the continuing education and university outreach programs.

In a letter to the university community, Torgersen says that he and Provost Peggy Meszaros have asked Harold Kurstedt, H.G. Prillaman professor of industrial and systems engineering, to assume leadership and coordinate all university programs relative to continuing education and the Center for Organizational and Technological Advancement.

"As you know, the university's outreach efforts through continuing education, public service, and now the Hotel Roanoke are fundamental to our historic mission. A land-grant university such as ours can and should be strongly integrated into the lives of our fellow citizens," Torgersen said.

"Through his leadership of the Management Systems Laboratory, Harold has a great deal of experience working with public and private-sector organizations developing management plans and training programs. Dr. Kurstedt will report to Provost Meszaros."

Torgersen thanked Jim Buffer for his formative efforts in getting COTA off the ground. "Dr. Buffer will remain closely allied with the project. As you know, the field of education is one of the five broad areas supporting COTA. Dr. Buffer will be returning to the faculty in the College of Education as the designated professor of education within the COTA program."

Torgersen praised Patrick Liverpool for his organizational efforts creating the Division of Outreach and Public Service. The president said Liverpool will now concentrate his efforts on strengthening Tech's international programming activity. He will continue reporting to Meszaros.

"Dr. Liverpool's efforts are very important as we continue to internationalize the curriculum and enhance opportunities for student employment and faculty scholarship," Torgersen said.

Torgersen also said that a task force he appointed last year on University Outreach will review and make recommendations to the provost on the future of outreach programs. Chaired by Greg Brown and John Randolph, the report will be used to further refine the structure, resource allocation, and vision of Virginia Tech in its commitment to outreach and public service.