UT System to Provide Update on Competitiveness Initiative, National Efforts to Boost Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Health

AUSTIN – University of Texas System officials will provide a presentation to the Board of Regents and the public during the July 8 board meeting on the system-wide Competitiveness Initiative, which launched in 2006. The $2.56 billion program to boost the competitive edge of University of Texas System institutions has led to the completion of more than a quarter of its capital projects, addition or renovation of more than 813,000 square feet of space and the hiring of 89 top-flight faculty members.

The presentation will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. (CDT) with a pre-recorded video of remarks by Norm Augustine, former chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin and the committee chairman who authored the National Academies’ report titled Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, which called for a comprehensive effort to boost U.S. competitiveness.

UT System Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., will then make remarks concerning the UT System’s efforts to date to enhance science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health care programs within Texas. 

The presentation will take place in the ninth floor Board Room of Ashbel Smith Hall, 201 W. 7th Street. Parking for the news media will be available at the guard kiosk on Colorado Street between 7th and 6th Streets. Out-of-town reporters may view the open sessions of the meeting via a live webcast.