"Georgia Tech has a tradition of excellence that I'm proud to be a part of now," said Peterson. "Today's ceremony gives us a chance to reflect on that tradition and begin planning for our future."

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll Davis highlight the list of speakers officially welcoming Peterson as the Georgia Tech president.

"President Peterson is the right person to lead Georgia Tech during this economically challenging time," said Davis. "That is because he has the background and experience to help Tech continue to shine well into the future as one of the world's premiere research universities."

Throughout his career, Peterson has played an active role in helping to establish the national education and research agendas, serving on numerous industry, government and academic task forces and committees. He has previously served as chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder and provost at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

President Peterson earned undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics as well as a master's degree in engineering from Kansas State University. He earned his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University.

Under President Peterson's guidance, Georgia Tech begins its strategic planning process focused on what the Institute will look like in 25 years. The process begins with sessions this afternoon focused on the student experience, innovation in the classroom and research preeminence, among others. The entire campus community — faculty, staff, and students as well as alumni, neighbors and civic leaders — are invited to join in the initial public discussion of these topics following President Peterson's Investiture Ceremony.

Peterson succeeds G. Wayne Clough, who stepped down in June 2008 to serve as Secretary of The Smithsonian Institution.