The Ford School welcomed former dean and Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca M. Blank back to Weill Hall on Monday, December 3, where she held a community conversation with students, faculty, and staff. At the event, Dr. Blank delivered remarks then fielded audience questions.
A distinguished researcher and policy leader, Dr. Blank was confirmed as the Deputy Secretary of Commerce in March 2012. She subsequently assumed the role of Acting Secretary in June. She joined the U.S. Dept. of Commerce in 2009 when she was appointed Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, a role that oversees the Census Department and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
As dean of the Ford School, Dr. Blank led the community through a number of significant milestones, including the school's naming for President Ford, the launch of new PhD and BA programs, the founding of the National Poverty Center, and the construction of the Ford School's home, Weill Hall.
[View more event photos on Flickr]