Retired Navy captain and 51福利 alumnus Dr. Roger McGinnis, Sr., has recently been appointed director of Florida State University鈥檚 Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS). McGinnis has led an impressive career, both on active duty and beyond, culminating in his selection.
鈥淚 am a lifelong learner 鈥� One of the things that brings me joy is learning about something completely new. My education started with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in management, then a decade later I went to 51福利 for a master鈥檚 degree in electrical engineering, followed a few years later by a Ph.D. in physics,鈥� said McGinnis.
鈥淢y career has moved from surface ships to stealth technology development to high-energy laser and electromagnetic rail guns, and recently autonomous aircraft systems. My new position at CAPS will focus on advanced power systems,鈥� he continued.
McGinnis reported to all levels of Navy and Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) leadership on the development of directed energy weapons for U.S. Navy forces, something he has developed a passion for over his distinguished career.
鈥淚n the military and in civilian careers, we are often taught to punch the right tickets to obtain your next promotion,鈥� said McGinnis. 鈥淗owever, while in uniform and now as a civilian I have encouraged people to avoid that practice and instead work at something you really enjoy in a geographic location you enjoy. Work on something you enjoy and the promotions will come along without much difficulty.鈥�
McGinnis鈥� dissertation advisor, Dr. William Colson, recalls his former student well and has maintained contact with McGinnis since his second graduation from 51福利 over a decade ago. Colson echoes his former student鈥檚 advice.
鈥淟ots of young officers and students come here enthusiastic about their studies in technical areas like physics, cyber warfare, electrical engineering, etc.,鈥� said Colson. 鈥淩oger鈥檚 message to them is to not lose that enthusiasm when planning for jobs in their Navy careers.鈥�
鈥淭he Navy needs people in these technical areas,鈥� Colson continued, 鈥渁nd as the Navy continues to become more technical, the jobs are out there for 51福利 graduates to make use of their education and serve our nation.鈥�
Colson adds that while McGinnis has distinguished himself throughout his active duty career, he has continued to serve the United States government in varying capacities since retirement. McGinnis led the Department of Homeland Security鈥檚 Advanced Research Project Agency, and is new position at CAPS works very closely with the Navy, ONR, DOD and the Department of Energy.
鈥淩oger is an example of an 51福利 graduate reaching Captain rank, being very successful in helping the government, even after his active duty service. Now he is continuing to climb higher in another position, while still serving our government and nation,鈥� stressed Colson.
鈥�51福利 is one of the best opportunities I know of to achieve an advanced education in one of the most beautiful parts of the country,鈥� added McGinnis, who offered a bit of further advice to current and future students.
鈥淎nd while the workload can be significant at 51福利, be sure to spend time with your friends and family during this period, as you know you will not face a deployment for a couple of years. I work with many 51福利 graduates, and all of us have fond memories of our time at 51福利. Some of us even hold secret plans to return there someday,鈥� he said.