NOAA Rear Admiral Visits LMRCSC Partner Institution
On November 21st, NOAA Coast Survey Director, Rear Admiral Shepard M. Smith, visited Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) partner institution, Hampton University (HU). Admiral Smith was in the Norfolk area visiting local NOAA facilities and while in the vicinity, the Acting Assistant Deputy Administrator made a stop at the HBCU to speak about the mission of NOAA and its many career opportunities, including those with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) program.
NOAA Corps, which RDML Smith is a part of, is a commissioned uniformed services program that is serviced by NOAA. The 321 officer initiative uses its service and scientific expertise to help lead NOAA in meeting its many goals, including ship and land based assignments that support the diverse missions of the agency. RDML Smith’s presentation to students, many in the LMRCSC program, and university faculty, included him discussing additional opportunities and the extensive goals of NOAA.
Admiral Smith was hosted by Dr. Deidre Gibson, who serves as Associate Professor and Department Chair, as well as the LMRCSC Program Director at HU. She provided the Admiral with a tour of the campus and introduced him to various groups pertaining to the STEM fields. A meeting with Hampton University’s Remoting Sensing Cooperative Science Center partners took place and the elite guest was also able to witness a weather balloon watch during his visit.
Before the tour concluded, Dr. Gibson provided RDML Smith with literature expounding upon the mission and the work of the LMRCSC. In addition, he was shown the many posters that the center’s students created, which led to the discussion of how NOAA could provide continued and increased support to the LMRCSC, and Hampton University as a whole.
The LMRCSC thanks Admiral Smith for his visit to our partner institution. His invaluable time spent speaking with our HU students and administrators was very impactful. We look forward to a continued and increased partnership in the future!
