When Georgia Tech released its 25-year strategic plan in 2010, the emphasis on growing Tech’s international presence and reputation was clear. In support of those aspirations, leadership within Office of the Provost has released its Global Positioning Strategy, a roadmap for how the Institute intends to pursue future international opportunities. 

Developed by a faculty task force earlier this year, the finished report draws on Tech’s tradition of global engagement in the advancement of three key objectives:

• Expand the world’s footprint at Georgia Tech;
• Extend and leverage Georgia Tech’s impact around the globe; and
• Embrace and support globally engaged students. 

Yves Berthelot, who served on the task force and was named vice provost for International Initiatives in August, will oversee the execution of the strategy. 

“By growing our ecosystem of education, research, and innovation at a global scale, we increase opportunities for students and faculty, both in Atlanta and around the world, and we contribute to shaping the global knowledge enterprise,” Berthelot said. 

The task force was created and charged by Steve McLaughlin, who served as the vice provost for International Initiatives from 2007 until assuming leadership for Tech’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering in September. 

“Georgia Tech’s Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of global engagement of our students, faculty and staff in not just reaching out around the world, but bringing the world to Atlanta,” McLaughlin said. “The Global Positioning Strategy serves as a roadmap for our engagement in an increasingly global, competitive, and resource-constrained world.” 

One of the five main goals of the Institute’s current strategic plan is to expand Tech’s global footprint and to ensure that it is graduating good global citizens. Among the nation’s most highly internationalized technological universities, Georgia Tech reports nearly 40 percent of its undergraduate students graduate with international work, study or research experience, preparing them for leadership roles in a globalized society. Almost 1,000 students representing 26 majors are currently enrolled in the International Plan.