UA President Witt to Be Named to President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The White House has announced that President Bush intends to appoint University of Alabama President Robert E. Witt to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).

Council members, distinguished individuals appointed by the president, are drawn from industry, education and research institutions, and other nongovernmental organizations. Witt is among 14 individuals expected to be appointed to the council.

Bush formed PCAST by executive order in 2001. The council was originally established by President George H. W. Bush in 1990 to provide advice to the president from the private sector and academic community on technology, scientific research priorities, and math and science education. It follows a tradition of presidential advisory panels on science and technology dating back to Presidents Eisenhower and Truman.

Witt became UA president on March 1, 2003. Under his leadership, enrollment at the University has risen significantly, private giving is at an all-time high and major construction projects are under way. His past experience includes 35 years in the University of Texas System, including 10 years as dean of the University of Texas at Austin business school and eight years as president of the University of Texas at Arlington.

Others expected to be appointed to PCAST are F. Duane Ackerman of Georgia, Paul M. Anderson of Washington, Robert A. Brown of Massachusetts, Nance K. Dicciani of Pennsylvania, Richard H. Herman of Illinois, Martin C. Jischke of Illinois, Fred Kavli of California, Daniel A. Reed of Illinois, Hector de Jesus Ruiz of Texas, Stratton D. Sclavos of California, John Brooks Slaughter of Connecticut, Joseph M. Tucci of New Hampshire and Tadataka Yamada of Pennsylvania.