We live in exciting, perhaps even unsettling times. But there is one
source of excitement we can all be happy about: the state of
Mathematics at Georgia Tech. The faculty of the School of Math are
making great strides in research and are bringing in grants and awards
at a record pace. Our graduate students are writing strong
dissertations and getting excellent first positions. Our
undergraduates continue to be among the best students on campus and
are moving on to top graduate programs and important jobs in industry.
And our staff are recognized as models to be emulated across campus.
The School is carrying out all of its missions with great energy,
enthusiasm, and quality.
Mathematics plays a central role in any University, all the more so at an Institute of Technology. When I was interviewing for the position of Chair of the School of Mathematics, one of the most inspiring aspects of Tech was the fact that the centrality of mathematics was clearly recognized by the Institute's upper administration. It was evident to me that Dean Houston and Provost Schuster were actively interested in the success of Mathematics at Tech and were ready and willing to support the School as it strives to reach even higher levels of success.
One concrete step forward we'll see in the near future is additional space for the School in the Skiles classroom building and some improvements to our existing space. In another direction, we'll soon be forming an advisory board for the School which will help us develop new resources and provide the best opportunities for our students. Stay tuned for more on these and other exciting developments.
The successes of the School in recent years have come about because of the talent, energy, and dedication of the faculty, staff, and students. Special thanks are due to Tom Trotter who has done an absolutely stellar job leading the School of Mathematics for the last seven years. He leaves it in an excellent position. I am very excited to be the incoming Chair and I look forward to working with all of you to continue to strengthen Mathematics at Georgia Tech.