NASA’s Deputy Administrator James W. Morhard is set to serve as the speaker during Delta State’s Fall 2020 Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series set for Oct. 27. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)Two years after he was sworn in as NASA’s 14th Deputy Administrator, James W. Morhard is returning to Delta State University to serve as the guest speaker for the Fall 2020 Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series.
This semester’s colloquium is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Jobe Auditorium of DSU’s E.R. Jobe Hall (in accordance with COVID-19 protocols). The event will also be live-streamed and will be available for viewing at https://livestream.com/deltastateuniversity.
Themed “The Future of Space Exploration,” Morhard’s lecture will include information regarding NASA’s exciting year involving the recent mission to the International Space Station and the Mars rover, as well as what the future holds for space travel and initiatives.
“Each year, the Delta State University Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series brings outstanding speakers to campus from a wide array of professional backgrounds and fields of enterprise,” said President William N. LaForge. “For this fall’s program, it is my pleasure to welcome NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard back to campus—virtually this time—to speak about the nation’s space agency, the exciting year of initiatives and launches, and the future of space travel for the United States.”
In his current role, Morhard helps provide overall leadership, planning, and policy direction. He performs duties and exercises powers delegated by the administrator, assists him in making final agency decisions, and acts in his absence to govern NASA operations. He is also responsible for articulating and representing the agency’s vision.
Prior to his tenure with NASA, Morhard was the U.S. Senate Deputy Sergeant at Arms. He began his career as an analyst for the Secretary of the Navy, where he reviewed procurement and research and development programs.
Beginning in 1991, Jim served on the Senate Appropriations Committee, working on the Defense and Military Construction, and Commerce, Justice, State Subcommittees.
In 2003, he became Chief of Staff of the whole Senate Appropriations Committee, where he worked with House and Senate Leadership, the Office of Management and Budget, and the White House to pass the 2004 and 2005 Omnibus Appropriations bills.
Jim earned his B.S. degree in accounting from St. Francis University, an M.B.A from George Washington University, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University.
President LaForge established the colloquia program when taking office in 2013. The platform is an ongoing series of top-flight lectures and addresses featuring prominent speakers.
To learn more, visit www.deltastate.edu/president/colloquia.
