The Honorable Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson begins her tenure as Rensselaer's 18th president

By Nancy Connell

On July 1, 1999, the Honorable Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson became the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Theoretical physicist, university professor, senior government official, champion of opportunity for women and minorities, wife and mother, Jackson formally will be inaugurated Sept. 24 at a ceremony in the Houston Field House.