Past Awards
The Operations Research Program at the United States Air Force Academy embodies the true intent of the UPS George D. Smith Prize in its distinctive approach to preparing students to become frontline operations research practitioners. The unique transdisciplinary undergraduate program is designed to develop students who can apply fundamental operations research techniques, work within multidisciplinary teams, and deftly communicate ideas and recommendations that frame and solve ill-defined technical, social, political and economic problems. Rotating military faculty between analyst and teaching assignments creates a rich environment for learning and practice while actively advancing the Academy’s core mission “to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation.” The continued security of our nation and the outstanding accomplishments of the alumni across diverse sectors of the economy are a testimony to the program’s sustained effectiveness.
By awarding the 2017 UPS George D. Smith Prize to the Operations Research Program, INFORMS salutes the United States Air Force Academy program and its graduates for their outstanding contributions to the society and the profession at large.