The University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have launched a one-of-a-kind joint effort to earn the prestigious Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.

To achieve the IEP designation, universities conduct a rigorous self-study of their economic engagement activities that includes input from external stakeholders. As part of the study, each institution identifies areas for growth and improvement within its economic engagement enterprise.

The effort will highlight how U of A and UADA — sister entities within the University of Arkansas System — can work in partnership with industry and communities to drive economic growth through talent and workforce development, innovation, research excellence, entrepreneurship and community engagement, say leaders of the effort.

Joint effort is unique

The joint effort in Arkansas is unique among IEP participants, uniting the university and Division of Agriculture under a "One University" model. This model will harness the strengths of both institutions to enhance existing economic drivers in Arkansas and address barriers to economic growth across the state.

It's an effort endorsed by U of A Chancellor Charles Robinson and Deacue Fields, vice president-agriculture for the U of A System and head of UADA.

"This initiative reflects our commitment to aligning talent development, research excellence and impact to meet the needs of Arkansas communities and industries," said David Hinton, associate vice chancellor for research and innovation at the U of A. "By partnering with the Division of Agriculture, we are building a stronger, more connected ecosystem that benefits the entire state."

The self-study process includes evaluating community engagement and societal impact efforts across U of A's colleges, centers and programs, as well as UADA's county extension offices and research centers and stations. Findings will inform a Growth and Improvement Plan, which will guide strategic action and be submitted in 2026 as part of the IEP designation process.

"Our land-grant mission calls on us to respond to real-world challenges with practical, research-based solutions," said Stacey McCullough, assistant vice president for community, professional and economic development with UADA. "This process gives us the framework to demonstrate impact, identify gaps and attract additional resources to advance Arkansas' economic future through community engagement and collaboration."

Hinton and McCullough are encouraging the public to offer input by using this survey.

Stacey McCollough, co-leader of the IEP Committee, UA Division of Agriculture.

Dual impact

Together, U of A and UADA contribute more than $3 billion annually to Arkansas' economy and are nationally recognized for technology transfer, patent production and innovation impact. U of A and UADA are ranked among the top 25 universities in the country without a medical school and eighth among universities with similar research expenditures in technology transfer and technology commercialization, based on a report from Heartland Forward.

They collectively rank 13th among midsized universities in innovation impact, which is a composite score including patenting, technology commercialization, new business formation, influence on research and patenting by others, and production of STEM graduates, according to a report from The George W. Bush Institute. U of A and UADA are also ranked the 83rd patent-producing U.S. university, according to the National Academy of Inventors.

Hinton and McCullough have been charged to head this IEP process, with a core leadership team that includes Tara Dryer, assistant vice provost for workforce development at U of A; Janet Collins, director of career initiatives at U of A; Hunter Goodman, assistant professor of community, professional and economic development at UADA; and Parker Cole, associate director of technology commercialization at UADA.

A cross-institutional steering committee, including representatives from technology transfer, workforce development, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, academic affairs and community engagement, will guide stakeholder input and data collection through 2026.

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About Innovation and Economic Prosperity Designation: Ninety institutions have been named IEP designees since the program was launched in 2012. IEP designees have demonstrated a meaningful, substantial and sustainable commitment to university economic engagement. New classes of IEP designees are recognized by Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and its Commission on Economic and Community Engagement during each APLU Annual Meeting, one of the country's largest convening of public university presidents, provosts, vice presidents and other senior administrators. Upon earning this distinction, institutions continue to learn and benefit from the IEP Program by joining a vibrant and internationally recognized community of practice around economic engagement. Learn more about pursuing the designation by reviewing the application guidelines and other details.

Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities: The APLU is a membership organization that fosters a community of university leaders collectively working to advance the mission of public research universities. The association's membership consists of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations spanning across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six U.S. territories, Canada, and Mexico.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system. The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.