Nation’s 39th Chief Executive and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Will
Deliver
Keynote Address at Seminar on Management of Parks and
Protected Lands
MERCED, CA— President Jimmy Carter will
visit the campus of the University of California, Merced, on May 3
to deliver the keynote address at a National Parks Institute
seminar on the management of parks and protected lands, the
university announced today.
Carter will speak as part of an intensive, 11-day leadership
program for senior executives in the field of park and public land
management from around the world. His talk will focus on critical
federal legislation (the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act) that he signed into law during his presidency in 1980.
“The opportunity for park leaders from around the world to hear
from President Carter on the establishment of the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act offers a spectacular learning
opportunity,” said Steve Shackelton, former Yosemite National Park
chief ranger and National Park Service associate director for
Visitor and Resource Protection. “His vision in setting aside
almost 80 million acres of public lands in 1980 offers a unique
case study about organizational change within the National Park Service.”
In the 29 years since the end of his presidential service,
Carter has been active in a wide variety of national and global
issues dealing with conservation, public policy, human rights and
conflict resolution. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
for his lifetime achievements in the areas of international peace,
human rights, democracy and economic and social development.
“UC Merced is deeply honored to welcome President Carter to our
campus in May,” said
Steve Kang, UC Merced
chancellor. “In his attitude and in his actions, he exemplifies
extraordinary human qualities of compassion, determination,
leadership and humility that are critically needed in our global
society. This will be a great day for a young campus that strives
to teach these same qualities to the future leaders of our state,
our nation and the world.”
The National Parks Institute is a collaborative venture of UC
Merced and the National Park Service that provides management
development curriculum for park and public land managers, promotes
scientific research in parks, fosters stewardship, and promotes and
develops environmentally sustainable resource management practices.
It was introduced by Congress in 2003 under legislation (HR 1289)
sponsored by California congressmen George Radanovich (R-Mariposa)
and Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced).
The NPI Executive Leadership Seminar begins April 27 at the
Institute of the Golden Gate in San Francisco, moves to UC Merced
on May 3 and concludes with several days in Yosemite National Park.
Limited to 30 participants from around the world, the seminar will
improve attendees’ ability to anticipate change, innovate and
manage strategically. (The sessions are not open to the public.)
In addition to Carter, confirmed speakers for the seminar include:
-
Roger C. Bales, director, UC Merced
Sierra Nevada Research Institute - Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks
- Jack Dangermond, founder, Environmental Systems Research Institute
- Roger Kennedy, director, National Parks Service (1993-1997)
- Charles A. O’Reilly, professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business
- David Sibbet, president and founder, Grove Consultants International
-
Sam Traina, vice chancellor for research and dean of graduate
studies, UC Merced - UC Merced professors
Maurizio Forte,
Teenie Matlockand
Anthony Westerling
Carter is the second major figure with White House connections
to visit the newest campus in the University of California system.
In May 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered the keynote
address at commencement exercises for UC Merced’s first four-year
class of graduates.
