MIT President Charles M. Vest has been asked by President Bush to serve as a member of the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. The establishment of the commission was announced on February 6.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Vest said, "This assignment is a call to major national service and I will work to the best of my abilities together with my fellow members to accomplish the goals of this independent commission. The issues to be addressed are of profound importance."
"Service on this commission will be time consuming. Therefore I plan to step back from most other activities outside MIT. During my remaining months as president, I will concentrate on two priorities: MIT and the commission."