ATLANTA — The Georgia Institute of Technology officially installed its 11th president, G.P. “Bud” Peterson, at an investiture (inauguration) ceremony  Sept. 3. The Institute is using the historic occasion to kick off its efforts to create a strategic vision for the next 25 years.

“Georgia Tech has a tradition of excellence that I’m proud to be a part of now,” Peterson. said  “(This) ceremony gives us a chance to reflect on that tradition and begin planning for our future.”

Georgia Gov. 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,” Davis said.  “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, N.Y.

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 Peterson’s guidance, Georgia Tech begins its strategic planning process focused on what the Institute will look like in 25 years.

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