<p>One of academe's most esteemed scholars will visit Florida State with this month's inauguration of the university's Pathways of Excellence Distinguished Lecture Series.</p>
<p>James J. Duderstadt, president emeritus of the University of Michigan, will discuss "The 21st Century University: Challenges, Responsibilities and Opportunities" Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. in the FSU Alumni Center Grand Ballroom. The entire university community is invited to attend. A reception will follow.</p>
<p>"We are honored that Dr. Duderstadt has agreed to present our first Pathways of Excellence lecture," said FSU President T.K. Wetherell. "His leadership and expertise in higher education are unparalleled, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to our campus and having him participate in our Pathways of Excellence initiative."</p>
<p>A nationally recognized authority on higher education, Duderstadt played a leading role on the Commission on the Future of Higher Education, which was convened in 2005-06 by U.S. Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings to examine central issues in American higher education: access, affordability, quality and accountability.</p>
<p>Duderstadt is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Science and a prolific author. He also is a University Professor of Science and Engineering at Michigan. His teaching and research interests have spanned a wide range of subjects in science, mathematics and engineering, including work in areas such as nuclear fission reactors, thermonuclear fusion, high powered lasers, computer simulation, science policy, higher education and information technology.</p>
<p>Beginning with Duderstadt's appearance, a national leader in higher education will be invited to FSU each semester during the academic year to present a public lecture as part of the Pathways of Excellence series. The lectures will give the community a broader access to elite researchers. Meeting FSU faculty and touring parts of campus, the visiting lecturers will gain insight into FSU's strengths and top-notch facilities.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.fsu.edu/indexTOFStory.html?lead.duderstadt%5B/url%5D">http://www.fsu.edu/indexTOFStory.html?lead.duderstadt</a></p>