U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (’96) visited his alma mater, UNC Charlotte, recently as part of his August recess from Congress. He wanted to learn more about the University’s role in advanced manufacturing.
Hudson met with Chancellor Philip L. Dubois; Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development; and other University officials. After viewing Richardson Stadium, he stopped in at the Precision Metrology Lab and other high-tech industrial labs in Duke Centennial Hall.
In touring the Center for Precision Metrology, Hudson said the visit was a chance to see firsthand how UNC Charlotte is becoming the critical training ground for high-skilled manufacturing jobs. The center is internationally known for its expertise in manufacturing processes and quality assurance for mechanical parts.
Dubois said it is essential for UNC Charlotte to have access to federal funding to conduct research such as that being done in the center, where equipment is extremely expensive. “That’s why it is critical for members of Congress to understand why this work is important,” he said.
Mechanical engineering professor Scott Smith showed Hudson some of the discoveries made at the center, ranging from military aircraft construction to consumer electronics such as the iPod.
“North Carolina is on the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing jobs and we need to make sure we increase the number of job opportunities in our community and ensure our students have the skills they need when they enter the workforce,” said Hudson.
A Republican elected in November 2012 to represent North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, Hudson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from UNC Charlotte while serving as student body president.
In Congress, Hudson serves on the House Agriculture Committee, the Education and Workforce Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. He is the current chairman of the Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation Security.