Spectrum - Volume 20 Issue 09 October 23, 1997 - Meszaros names interdisciplinary work groups

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Meszaros names
interdisciplinary
work groups

By Catherine Doss

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 09 - October 23, 1997

Provost Peggy S. Meszaros has appointed an interdisciplinary work group for each of the university's seven cross-cutting initiatives (CCI's). Members of the work groups will serve a three-year appointment and are charged with the following tasks: 1) finalize their CCI's case statement drafted in August; 2) determine how best to position the initiative for both an internal and external audience; 3) identify competitors and determine gaps to fill in keeping the initiative top-ranked both nationally and internationally; and 4) identify and develop areas for long-term strategic partnerships.
"These work groups fill a highly visible and critical role in the future of this university," Meszaros said. "Through the vision and recommendations of these groups, we will further develop the university's world-class programs to take us into the next century."
The seven CCI's and their designated chairs are: biological systems and biotechnology, Sue Tolin; computing, information, and communications technology, Charles Bostian; environmental sciences and energy systems, John Randolph; food, nutrition, and health, Wayne Purcell; learning communities, Terry Wildman; materials science, Garth Wilkes; and transportation, Thomas Dingus.
Each work group is comprised of faculty and staff members from several colleges as well as a representative from the provost's staff, a communications specialist, and a representative from the university's Development staff.
The cross-cutting initiatives were announced in August as part of the university's strategic implementation plan for its Academic Agenda. The CCI's are areas where the university will build upon established and emerging strengths that address critical state and national needs and hold the potential for significant external resources. Rather than relating to single, isolated disciplines, these initiatives cut across various colleges and programs within the university.
The CCI work groups will hold their initial meetings by mid-December.