NASA Chief makes first ever visit to the state

SEARCY, Ark. (Jan. 15, 2020) — The Harding University Department of Engineering and Physics will host NASA Day at Harding on Jan. 27,  featuring NASA Chief Technologist Dr. Douglas Terrier, the highest ranking NASA technology official and first NASA chief ever to visit the state of Arkansas. In recognition of Dr. Terrier’s visit, Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed the date NASA Day in Arkansas. You can view the proclamation at governor.arkansas.gov.

During NASA Day at Harding, Dr. Terrier will hold meetings with and make a series of presentations to various groups, including area elementary, middle, junior and high school students, as well as Harding students and faculty. More than 1,000 students from local schools will be participating on campus. Along with student meetings about NASA programs, jobs and opportunities, Dr. Terrier will meet with representatives from the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium. The consortium includes 17 four-year universities and colleges throughout Arkansas. The day’s events include the dedication of a plaque recognizing the NASA research conducted at the University from 1967 to present day. A special exhibit titled “Harding and NASA: Through the Years” will also be displaying grant-funded research beginning with astronaut physical fitness, of benefit to the first moon launch, to Harding’s membership in the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium and scientific and technology research that continues today.

The day will culminate with a 7 p.m. lecture by Dr. Terrier in Benson Auditorium titled “Forward to the Moon: The NASA Artemis Program”