TEXAS TECH SCHOOL OF LAW PROFESSOR APPOINTED FIRST CHIEF COUNSEL OF NEW FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION OFFICE

Written by Michael Castellon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 31, 2005
CONTACT: Michael Castellon, m.castellon@ttu.edu


LUBBOCK – President Bush appointed Texas Tech School of Law professor Victoria Sutton to serve as the nation’s first chief counsel for the Research and Innovative Technology Administration

RITA, which was created in 2004, is dedicated to the advancement of Department of Transportation innovation and research and will focuse on promoting economic growth and a better transportation system.

“I’m excited to be part of such a new and influential agency,” Sutton said. “To be the first chief counsel and play a role in defining the scope of this organization is an incredible opportunity.”

Texas Tech School of Law Dean Walter Huffman said Sutton’s appointment will provide long-standing benefits to the university.

“This is such a tremendous opportunity for both Dr. Sutton and Texas Tech,” he said. “We’re confident her students and the School of Law will benefit a great deal with the experience she’ll acquire.”

Sutton currently serves as the director of the university’s Center for Biodefense, Law and Public Policy.

Sutton previously served as assistant director of the White House Science Office and the Environmental Protection Agency. Following her service in the White House, she served as Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan I nstitute for Emergency Medicine where she led the development of research initiatives.

Sutton will take a year of leave from the university beginning Sept. 1.


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