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| President
Dennison speaking on campus last fall |
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UM
president tapped for
national education board
U.S. President
George W. Bush recently nominated University of Montana President
George Dennison for a four-year position on the National Security
Education Board.
The decision now is left up to the U.S. Senate, which Dennison believes
will act on the matter in the near future.
The National Security Education Board was set up in December 1991
by former U.S. President Bill Clinton as part of the National Security
Education Act. The board, along with the National Security Education
Program and the National Security Education Trust Fund, was created
to educate U.S. citizens about foreign cultures, strengthen U.S. economic
competitiveness and enhance international competition and security.
Dennison, who feels greatly honored by the nomination, comes to the
board highly qualified to fulfill its goals. Aside from numerous years
in higher education, throughout his career he has maintained a strong
interest in public diplomacy and international education and has spent
a considerable amount of time in other countries forging student exchange
opportunities.
“I believe strongly in the mission of the board and will do
all I can to assure that the United States succeeds in positioning
itself for effective functioning in the increasingly global world
of today,” Dennison said.
UM, he said, shares a concern for the same issues as the National
Security Education Board. Because of this, Dennison said, “I
will consult the campus community for counsel as to appropriate responses.”
Dennison said his time spent examining the issues of the board goes
hand in hand with the work he already does for the University.
The board meets three or four times a year, and Dennison said he can
combine the meetings with other trips he must take to Washington,
D.C. He will watch his time carefully to ensure that he fulfills his
responsibilities as UM president, he said.
As far as national security is concerned, if approved, Dennison said
his impact on security relies on developing programs that will respond
to critical needs.
“National security, in this context, refers to the ability of
the United States to function in the global society,” he said.
“Unless we make certain that we have the professional people
well prepared for the challenges the country will face, we cannot
assure our national security.”
Dennison believes former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot began the process
by telling Bush about Dennison. “However,” he said, “many
people participated in the review, and I remain ever grateful for
their assistance.”
—By Brianne Burrowes
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