July 2, 2009

Gov. Nixon signs legislation to promote science, technology education during visit to Missouri S&T campus

ROLLA, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today visited the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla to sign ceremonial copies of two pieces of legislation promoting education and careers in high-tech, high-demand fields.

During a ceremony in the University's Butler-Carlton Civil Engineering Hall, Gov. Nixon signed House Bill 506, which requires the Governor to proclaim the first week in March as Math, Engineering, Technology and Science (METS) Week each year. In addition, Gov. Nixon signed Senate Concurrent Resolution Two, which establishes Oct. 3 as Science Day in Missouri. The goal of both pieces of legislation is to encourage Missouri students to explore educational and career opportunities in these 21st-century fields.

"Preparing Missourians for the careers of tomorrow must begin with a solid education in math and science," Gov. Nixon said. "These special observances will give teachers, businesses and parents another opportunity to expose young people to these fascinating subjects and encourage the next generation of Missourians to consider careers in these cutting-edge fields. I'm proud to sign these important pieces of legislation on the campus of Missouri S&T, which has been blazing the trail of scientific and engineering discovery for generations."

Prior to signing the legislation, Gov. Nixon toured the state-of-the-art Structures Lab in the University's Butler-Carlton Civil Engineering Hall. Undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty use the cutting-edge equipment and instruments in this 1,250-square-meter facility to test and research the latest structural materials and designs.