Introduction To Astronaut Victor Glover's New Chapter
NASA astronaut Victor Glover, who served as pilot on the Artemis II mission that flew around the moon in April, has officially begun his new role as executive advisor to the president of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). This new position marks a significant change for Glover, who is stepping away from the majority of his duties at the space agency to focus on guiding the future engineering and science leaders of tomorrow.
Background And Connection To Cal Poly
Glover's connection to Cal Poly runs deep, having graduated with an engineering degree in 1999. During his time at the university, he was a two-sport athlete, wrestling for the university and playing on its football team. It's also where he met his wife, Dionna, who also graduated from Cal Poly. The couple has since raised four daughters, all of whom have either graduated or are currently attending their parents' alma mater. This multifaceted connection to the university makes Glover an ideal candidate to contribute to Cal Poly's growth and development.
New Role And Responsibilities
In his position as executive advisor, Glover will work with university leadership, including the president, provost, and college deans, to identify, develop, and accelerate strategic initiatives, partnerships, and philanthropy aimed at expanding the university's leadership in various fields. These fields include engineering, applied computing, aerospace, aviation, maritime, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and national defense. Glover's role will be full-time, but he notes that it won't be a typical nine-to-five job, as he will be working where the school needs him most and highlighting the great work they're already doing.
Implications And Future Outlook
Glover's transition to emeritus status at NASA allows him to maintain a relationship with the agency while pursuing his new role at Cal Poly. As an emeritus astronaut, he will still have a NASA email address, be considered a special government employee, and be able to work closely with the agency. This unique arrangement will enable Glover to contribute to the development of future engineering and science leaders while staying connected to the space agency. Cal Poly is undergoing significant changes, including a transition from a quarter system to a semester-based one and the integration of the former California State University Maritime Academy. Glover's contributions will be invaluable in helping the university navigate these changes and expand its leadership in various fields.
Conclusion And Next Steps
Glover's new role at Cal Poly marks an exciting new chapter in his career, as he shifts his focus from space exploration to guiding the next generation of leaders in engineering and science. With his deep connection to the university and his experience as a NASA astronaut, Glover is well-positioned to make a significant impact at Cal Poly. As he settles into his new role, it will be interesting to see how he contributes to the university's growth and development, and how his relationship with NASA evolves.
Sources
This is an original synthesis by Qivorane based on reporting from the outlets below.
