UM Technology Summit Begins, MOU with Globalstar Announced

The second annual UM Technology Summit has begun with some of the nation’s brightest minds gathered to discuss the trends taking over the technology field and how the industry and education are adapting to those changes. 
“It is my hope that the 2017 Technology Summit will continue to drive forward conversations about the University’s role in preparing students for future advances in technology as well as explore the connections, interests and challenges we share in common with business and government,” Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter said. 

Last year’s event was initiated by Senator Roger Wicker, who is also in attendance this year.
“I look forward to participating in this summit and discussing how we can equip Mississippi’s students with the skills and tools they need to drive this technological innovation forward into the future,” Wicker said.
As the University looks to stay on the forefront of technological innovation, Vitter announced that Ole Miss has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Globalstar, a provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Globalstar works in several areas including oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction. Vitter knows that the partnership will bring unique opportunities to Ole Miss students.
“This agreement will offer our students some truly fantastic opportunities, and I am grateful to Jay Monroe, Globalstar CEO, for this partnership,” Vitter said. “The relationship will advance the university’s standing as a leader in science and technology education, which is one of our key goals for growth over the next decade.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with the young and eager minds at the University of Mississippi as they help develop the future of communications technology,” said Jay Monroe, CEO at Globalstar. “Having the additional support of these technology resources will be of significant value to Globalstar as we work to bring disruptive technology to market and we hope to provide a hands-on learning experience in return.”
Reaffirming the commitment to the University’s growing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum, Vitter discussed the new STEM building and the opportunities it will create for students.
“Envisioned as the crown jewel of the university’s science district, the STEM building will serve as a gateway for the University to capitalize on our existing strengths, forge new areas of expertise, and provide University of Mississippi students with an unsurpassed STEM education experience.
Also slated to speak at today’s Tech Summit is James H. Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics. Nicholas Degani, senior counsel for the Federal Communications Commission, will also be a guest speaker.
Ole Miss alumnus James Barksdale will moderate a roundtable discussion featuring representatives from various technology industries and government agencies including Raytheon, Silicon Graphics, the Federal Communications Commission, AT&T Mississippi and several others.

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Steven Gagliano is the managing editor of HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com.