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"Professor Laughlin's moving to KAIST is the outcome strongly pursued by Standard University for our Asian policy. Asia, which is recording the highest growth rate in the world not only in the areas of scientific as well as information and communications technology, but also in the entire industry, is a valuable source of drive that promotes development of Stanford University as well."
At the news of Professor Laughlin moving from the former position as the president of Stanford to KAIST, this speech was made by John Hennessy, the President of Stanford University, which is well known as the passageway to Silicon Valley, the foremost symbol of scientific and technological industry of America, the alma mater of Tiger Woods and the workplace of Laughlin, the Nobel prize winner and the former president of KAIST.
In an interview that took place after Professor Laughlin's moving to Korea was confirmed on the 17th, President Hennessy expressed that he welcomed the news of Professor Laughlin's new appointment in KAIST. "Professor Laughlin's appointment in KAIST was supported by both myself and the school as a part of our Asian policy, which is being strongly pursued as a matter that may affect the very existence of Stanford University."
Adding to that, Hennessy said he "visited China in May and June" and repeatedly emphasized that "Asia, including Korea, is the region where not only IT and science technologies, but also the overall aspects of economy are rapidly growing. Our tie with Korean universities is very important for our own development."
Questioned on how Stanford University could elbow off other galaxy of Ivy League schools in the East Coast to be the top in the short period of 120 years, he explained what enabled the achievement was the school's founding principle to pursue pragmatic lines of inquiry at the frontier, where excellence cannot be achieved by standing still.
Hennessy spoke frankly about recent issues in Korea such as of students avoiding the areas of science and engineering, society's inhospitality towards scientists, and so forth.
"Focusing on a single area to develop at exclusion of all others is running against the fundamental goals of humanity." He also explained that "wholesome growth will only be possible when not only science and medicine, but also the many diverse areas of knowledge, achieve development together. The problem will be solved at its root only when we create multi-disciplinary projects that require participation by many areas of study."
"When various areas of science collaboratively run such projects, the problem of students avoiding studies in basic science will resolve itself naturally". Hennessy added that "this is why I continue to give lectures as a professor while working as the president of school."
In other words, Hennessy suggested that organic growth of projects through collaboration among various fields of study, rather than academic pursuit in a single area, can present fundamental solutions to the current issues.
Hennessy also set forth his views as the president of a school on the concerns being raised that Professor Laughlin, a scholar, may not successfully perform his duties as a president, which involves more administrative types of work.
"I have studied engineering with a major in computer science, too. When the top priority is placed on academic studies, the field of major will not be a matter of importance and will cause absolutely no problem in fulfilling the duties." Hennessy euphemistically urged us to escape from the fixed notion that the position of the president is a position bound by administrative affairs.
When asked whether he'd been aware that many brilliant students from Korea are continuing their studies at Stanford University, President Hennessy mentioned Gi-Wook Shin, the professor of sociology who is also the Director of Asia-Pacific Research Center in Stanford University.
"I am deeply impressed by the academic ardor and achievements of Korean students." Hennessy expressed his immense interest in Korea, saying that "these students are hard at work under the guidance of Professor Shin."
He was also questioned on the issue of Nobel prize, which has become a hot topic in Korea since the news of Professor Laughlin's taking up the office in KAIST. There is yet to be a Nobel prize winner in Korea, but Stanford University has produced as many as 27 Nobel prize winners so far.
When asked if he knew of any secrete, he emphasized that the essence of education is not about winning a celebrated prize. "All we do is we place the top priority in introducing top-level teaching faculty and allowing admission only to the best of students," said Hennessy metaphorically with a light chuckle.
John Hennessy, the 'lecturing president' who finds vitality in life through 'hiking' says, "... giving a lecture to a packed classroom, my greatest enjoyment comes when a student visits my office to ask a question".
As an up-and-coming school of the highest prestige, 120-year history and annual operation fund of US $ 10 billion (12,020 billion won), Stanford University has secured its position as the leader in the whole of America. The interview with John Hennessy, the 'acting president', shows again that the reputation of Stanford University was not achieved overnight.