As a component of our strategic initiatives within the space science and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), fields and building on the Emerging Leaders Program announced this spring, Capitol College is establishing the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. The mission for the Center is to provide hands-on educational and workforce development experiences for K-12, community college and college students, and those who support them, in achieving leadership careers in the STEM fields. The Center will continue to develop and cultivate our partnerships with external organizations along with supporting the Space Operations Institute’s educational objectives. It will also support the Innovation and Leadership Institute by creating new ways to improve and expand STEM education. To enable the Center’s mission and the college’s outreach efforts, we received financial support from Lockheed Martin. We also have other funding proposals under consideration, along with several being developed. To assist in conducting the Center’s educational programs there will be a set of Capitol College faculty and staff, along with others from the community who support our STEM efforts, who have been invited to be Center “Fellows.” Capitol College is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Gibbs will serve as the Center’s director with the primary responsibilities being to secure external funding and continue to develop partnerships with the STEM and space science communities. With his extensive background in astronomy, STEM and space science education and public outreach, Dr. Gibbs will continue as our vice president for advancement while leading the Center. Our new director of foundation relations/college grant writer will also be of valuable assistance as we seek external funding. If you are interested in being part of the Center, please contact Dr. Gibbs, for we welcome your participation as provided for by grant funding. Additionally, Ms. Sydnee Distance will serve as our part-time STEM outreach coordinator as funded by the grants. She will work with our external partners, coordinate various administrative and reporting requirements, and assist in developing future opportunities. The new Center is a welcome addition to the Capitol community and builds on our strategic objectives. We ask for your support as we launch the Center while working together to advance Capitol College.
View SSEPO press release here.
Photo - Left to right: Dr. W. Vic Maconachy, VP of academic affairs; Dr. Michael Gibbs, VP for advancement; Dr. Michael Wood, president; Haden Land, VP - chief technology officer and chief information officer for Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Civil Product Line; Rick Veenstra, VP for finance and administration; Dianne Veenstra, VP for planning and assessment.