Dr. Joseph Westphal – US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, gave a lecture titled “America’s higher education system and its role as the driver of global innovation and technology development” to the students of College of Business. The presentation took place on the 23nd of February 2015.
Dr. Westphal started the lecture by introducing two key principles in life which are learning and development. The lecture was then based on entrepreneurship, leadership, and education.
Colleges and universities in the United States annually spend over $60 billion dollars per year on research and development, demonstrating the strong commitment that these institutions place on scientific advancement. This investment fuels a dynamic relationship between America’s academic institutions and businesses throughout the world, generating sustained momentum on innovation that is a key driver of today’s global economy. This exchange of knowledge and ideas also contributes to creativity, diversity and energy that fuels innovation and development globally.
The US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Joseph Westphal’s professional career spans more than 40 years of service in higher education and government, including serving as the Chancellor of the University of Maine system, and as a professor and administrator at Oklahoma State University, The New School University, and Georgetown University.