Purdue University President Mitch Daniels to address ASEE annual conference
Mitchell Daniels, Jr., president of Purdue University and former two-term governor of Indiana, will deliver the opening keynote address at the main plenary session of the American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference, Monday, June 16, at the Indiana Convention Center.
“ASEE is incredibly fortunate to have such a respected public servant and recognized national leader speak at our conference,” says ASEE President Kenneth Galloway. “As the leader of a university highly recognized for its engineering programs and engineering graduates, President Daniels understands the importance of engineers and engineering education to his state and to the health of our nation.”
Daniels has shown his support for engineering in the past, noting that “even if we were to somehow outrun the market's need for engineering talent, we will be a far stronger country if the engineering mindset takes a more prominent place in our national conversations.”
Daniels was unanimously selected by the Purdue Board of Trustees on Thursday, June 21, 2012, to be the university's 12th president. Daniels assumed that role in January 2013, at the conclusion of his term as Governor of the State of Indiana.
He was elected as the 49th governor of Indiana in 2004, in his first bid for any elected office. He was re- elected in 2008 to a second and final term, receiving more votes than any candidate for any public office in the state's history.
President Daniels came from a successful career in business and government, holding numerous top management positions in both the private and public sectors. His work as CEO of the Hudson Institute and President of Eli Lilly and Company's North American Pharmaceutical Operations taught him the business skills he brought to state government. He also served as Chief of Staff to Senator Richard Lugar, Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush.
At Purdue, President Daniels has made student affordability and student success top priorities, and has pledged to keep a Purdue education within reach for students and families. Purdue tuition was held constant this school year and Daniels has announced that the freeze will continue for at least two more years. Other top priorities include accelerating growth in three areas that are key to the national economy and support Purdue’s strengths (engineering, technology and computer science); infusing resources in selected areas of research; and facilitating commercialization of research.
Contact: Nathan Kahl [email protected]
Norman L. Fortenberry ASEE Executive Director
1818 N Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 331-3500 www.asee.org ASEE is an Equal Opportunity Employer