Office of Economic Development Concentrates Statewide Outreach

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –  The University of Arkansas’ new Office of Economic Development  was created to streamline campuswide outreach efforts focused on stimulating economic growth in Arkansas and beyond.

To achieve this goal several existing university units and positions have been moved, whole or in part, into the Office of Economic Development.

These include:

• The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• World Trade Center Arkansas
• The Sustainability Consortium
• The Office of Industry Engagement
• The Arkansas Research and Technology Park
• Corporate and Foundation Relations
• The university’s commercialization activities

The Office of Economic Development was created in February and is a direct result of a two-year strategic planning process that identified a need for the university to amplify its long-established role in the state's economic success. The office will work to expand economic opportunity and prosperity in Arkansas through talent development, innovative research and technologies, community service and placemaking strategies.

"The university is committed to its role as a catalyst for creating and expanding economic and social opportunities throughout the state," said Stacy Leeds, interim vice chancellor for economic development. "Uniting campuswide economic development efforts will allow us to broaden and track our impact to ensure we are fulfilling our mission of service and innovation."

The Office of Economic Development will foster new private-public partnerships and connect with Arkansans, businesses, governmental agencies and civic organizations to make sustained advances in economic capacity and quality of life.

The U of A makes contributions to the state’s economic development in each of its 10 colleges and schools. These contributions include active collaborations with industry, engaging students in industry projects and entrepreneurism as well as helping to establish internships and career pathways. The university also improves economic well-being in Arkansas' communities through health, education and the arts.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.