Michael Hagearty
Institute Communications and Public Affairs
As the Institute continues implementing its ambitious
plan for a “global Tech,” the Office of
the Provost has named School of Electrical and Computer
Engineering Professor Steve McLaughlin as its first
vice provost for International Initiatives.
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| Steve
McLaughlin |
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Within the Office of the Provost, McLaughlin will work closely with
all units on campus to ensure that the Institute's global efforts in
education and research meet the highest standard of excellence. His
office provides leadership and strategic direction to the Office of
International Education which includes education abroad programs and its international student and faculty exchange programs.
In announcing the appointment, Senior Vice Provost
for Academic Affairs Anderson Smith cited McLaughlin’s
intimate understanding of Tech’s overseas operations
and how those partnerships are fostered.
“Steve McLaughlin has served as deputy director
of Georgia Tech Lorraine since 2004 and is aware of
how important research and economic development are
in our international plans,” Smith said. “We
have outstanding opportunities for our students to be
involved in international study and work, and we need
to expand those opportunities. However, we also have
to support our international initiatives that involve
research and graduate education at international sites.
“Steve will be Georgia Tech’s point person
on all our international activities. I look forward
to working with him as we shape the global Georgia Tech.”
During a public presentation in August, McLaughlin
outlined his perspective on and vision for Tech’s
global initiatives. First and foremost, he said, these
programs are essential ingredients in making both students
and faculty more competitive in the so-called “flat
world” of globalization.
“If we accept the flattened world proposition,
then it comes down to preparing individuals—not
only to compete against others but also to work together—and
I think that’s what Tech’s international
programs are all about.
“At Georgia Tech Lorraine we have interaction
with dozens of companies, and all of them want students
with experience in multicultural, multilingual environments,”
that mesh with their own multinational business operations,
he said.
McLaughlin also sees Tech’s international initiatives
as a key differentiator of its brand over the next several
decades.
“We’re already being recognized as a leader
in some aspects of international education and research.
I’m absolutely convinced that this should be a
major piece of our brand for the next generation or
two.” Moreover, this is an area “where we
can be the clear leader, in a way that sets our nation’s
vision and defines policies and priorities for others.”
Tech also has an obligation to foster partnerships
that can have an impact on Georgia’s economic
development, he pointed out.
“As a state institution, we need to do things
that are in line with what the state needs,” he
said. “The competition is primarily going to be
in the technology space, and I think we’re in
a position to be the leading university in this area.
“I’m convinced that these international
programs change people, sometimes in profound ways but
also in ordinary ways.”
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