ISA President holds strategic planning meetings.
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Press Release Summary:
ISA's 2009 President, Gerald Cockrell, led series of strategic planning meetings at ISA headquarters. Meetings are held throughout year and offer chance for ISA leaders to meet and confirm objectives, plans, and priorities for coming year. Cockrell, a Professor of Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology at Indiana State University, teaches courses in process control automation and project management with special interests in applications for high-tech industries.
Original Press Release:
International Society of Automation Holds Strategic Planning Meetings, Welcomes New President Gerald Cockrell
Research Triangle Park, NC (26 January 2009) - 2009 ISA President Gerald Cockrell of Indiana State University led a series of strategic planning meetings last week at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
The meetings, regularly held throughout the year, are a chance for ISA leaders to meet and confirm objectives, plans, and priorities for the coming year. These planning meetings are some of Cockrell's first duties as 2009 ISA President.
"As Society President, I am striving to continue the momentum started by previous presidents, staff, and leadership to move ISA and the automation profession into the future," said Cockrell. "The Society has made progress in developing automation as a profession throughout the world with the many activities over the past few years including the name change, certification programs, advocacy efforts, and workforce development efforts. Our strategic planning meetings have helped to set our 2009 priorities in these and other critical areas."
Cockrell is a Professor of Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology at Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in process control automation and project management with special interests in applications for high-tech industries, and has been on the faculty for over 30 years.
"My students are encouraged by stories of colleagues who actually enjoy working in automation. I continually talk about the amazing challenges and personal rewards that a life in automation can bring," he says. "I am always intrigued to talk with our Members and leaders, who really enjoy their work in the automation field. A sense of challenge, excitement, and accomplishment accompany our discussions about the future of the profession, and that's something I try to pass on to my students."
Dr. Cockrell is an active participant in the PhD Technology Management program at Indiana State. He has presented numerous papers on Internet-based distance laboratory methods. He also develops and presents industrial training programs in the fields of automation systems technology and project management to students around the world.
Indiana State University, a doctoral research university, combines a tradition of strong undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on community and public service. It integrates teaching, research, and creative activity in an engaging, challenging, and supportive learning environment to prepare productive citizens for Indiana and the world.
Cockrell has over 30 years of experience in automation. In addition to being a professor, he's also held positions as an Electrical Engineer and a Director, and has served in the United States Air Force.
Throughout his 21 years of ISA membership, Cockrell has served the Society as Professional Development Department Vice President, International Student Competition Chair and Member, District 6 Student Competition Founder and Chair, District 6 Vice President, President-elect Secretary, Workforce Development Committee Chair, and other leadership roles at the Section level.
Cockrell holds a B.S. and M.S. from Indiana State University, and a Doctorate from Indiana University, Bloomington.
For more information about ISA, visit www.isa.org or call (919) 549-8411.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in North America. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).
