Inaugural Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC) 30 August 2016

Quick Facts about SPTC The SPTC is a U.S. Department of Transportation Region 6 Regional University Transportation Center The Center was established in 2013 based on an award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) to conduct a multidisciplinary program of transportation research, education, and technology transfer A renewal proposal was submitted in 2016 with additional partners and less competition than 2013

SPTC Vision and Mission Vision: Our vision is to be a diverse and inclusive regionally-based, nationally-recognized research, education and outreach center dedicated to solving pressing transportation and freight infrastructure problems and producing highly trained transportation professionals. We particularly focus on under-represented professionals – Hispanic, Native Americans, African Americans, Women and First-in-Family-to-Attend-College – capable of leading public and private sector efforts aimed at providing U.S. citizens a sustainable and resilient transportation system. Mission: The SPTC mission is twofold: to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, and imminently implementable solutions to critical infrastructure-related issues facing the transportation systems of the region and the nation; and to prepare transportation professionals for leadership roles in professional and research careers in support of the nation’s transportation systems.

Advisory Board

Advisory Board

Executive Committee A committee composed of University, corporate and other leaders that supports the SPTC by: Ensuring that OU is appropriately supporting the effort and thinking strategically for the long term; Determining if the administrative and leadership structure are appropriate and working effectively; Helping identify, anticipate and address problems; Ensuring that our progress is consistent with plans and that all partner institutions are fully engaged; and Engaging effectively with the private sector and translating research outcomes into operational practice. 

Membership Kelvin Droegemeier, Vice President for Research Jim Hunt, Oklahoma District Director, Atkins N.A. Tom Landers, Dean, College of Engineering Berrien Moore, Dean, College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and Vice President of Weather and Climate Programs Debra Teufel, Director of Public-Private Partnerships Ann West, Grayce B. Kerr Centennial Chair and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Possible Points to Consider Center structure and leadership model Communication and team cohesiveness Administrative and other support personnel External linkages and partnerships (universities, companies, etc.) Budget and space Progress toward goals Congressional interactions Regular meetings, assessments, additional members