Georgia’s senior U. S. senator, Saxby Chambliss, encouraged Georgia Tech students to consider careers in public service during a visit on campus April 22nd.

Senator Chambliss spoke to the U. S. Government 1101 class taught in the School of Public Policy by Visiting Associate Professor B. J. Davis Rowe.  The class fulfills general education coursework requirements and so attracts students from across Georgia Tech.

A four term U. S. House Representative from Georgia’s 8th Congressional District (1995-2003) and a U. S. senator since 2003, Chambliss shared with the class how he became engaged in public service in Georgia and urged them to consider that career path.

Chambliss also talked about political issues including the need to move beyond the raging debate about partisan politics in order to address the tough issues facing America.  Chambliss outlined the intent and work of the bipartisan “Gang of 6” which is promoting findings and recommendations of the President's Deficit Reduction Commission.  He also highlighted his support for alternative sources of energy and the need for continued work on patent reform to keep the United States at the forefront of technological innovation.

During Q & A, a number of students expressed their appreciation for Chambliss’ years of public service.  They took advantage of the senator’s wide-ranging experience on senate committees (including Armed Services, Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Senate Rules, Aging, and Intelligence) by asking about issues ranging from the national budget and nuclear energy to Georgia agriculture and bipartisan efforts.

Professor Rowe is a long-time public servant with experience at every level of government.  Hosting Senator Chambliss was part of her effort to expose her students to “real world players in a host of arenas” and “to showcase the applicability of their interests, majors, and degree programs to public service.”

"I don't think students today fully understand how much their country needs them -- their knowledge, skills and abilities, beyond military service," said Professor Rowe. "My goal while here at Tech is to show them whenever and however I can, how their engineering, mathematical, computing, and other scientific interests are applicable to the public as well as the private sector."

Photo: Senator Saxby Chambliss (on right) with a student in Visiting Professor B. J. Davis Rowe's U. S. Government 1101 class on April 22.