Former MIT President Charles M. Vest dies at 72
Former MIT president Charles M. Vest — a tireless advocate for research and science, and a passionate supporter of diversity and openness — died on December 12, 2103 of pancreatic cancer at his home in the Washington, DC area. MIT’s 15th president, serving from 1990 to 2004, he led the Institute through a period of striking change and growth. A mechanical engineer by training, Vest was president of the National Academy of Engineering from 2007 until earlier this year.
Under Vest’s leadership, MIT renewed its commitment to education and research through major innovations in both areas; developed strong ties with academic, government, and industry partners around the world; broadened the diversity of its people and programs; and transformed its campus. “The knowledge we generate, the things we come to understand, and the devices we build can improve health, economies, security and the quality of life. MIT must continue to be optimistic in its vision of why we are here and what we can do,” Vest wrote in 2004. more...