05/29/2026
The boundaries between industry, academia and government are disappearing. That's exactly what's needed to address our national security challenges, and what's happening at the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit. On the Ensuring National Security panel today, Jonathan Pettus, executive director of Auburn University's Applied Research Institute in Huntsville, highlighted a critical reality: developing the workforce of tomorrow requires immersing students in high-impact, real-world projects today. Auburn is leading that effort by connecting students, researchers and partners to mission-focused work.