UT is 1 of 3 schools recognized for creating economic growth
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has earned a prestigious designation for its role in creating community engagement, economic growth and workforce development in Tennessee and beyond.
UT is one of only three universities designated this year as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Landgrant Universities.
Among the accomplishments that helped UT achieve the designation are:
*UT Extension offices that provide resources and educational opportunities in every Tennessee county;
*More than 80 research centers and institutes throughout the university;
*Partnerships like the one with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Volkswagen that created Volkswagen's first 'innovation hub' in North America;
*UT programs dedicated to addressing workforce needs of the future.
Chancellor Donde Plowman said being named an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University 'recognizes what we are already doing and opens new doors for the future.”
“This designation reflects both our land-grant mission and our Volunteer spirit, opening tremendous opportunities to expand our capacity to serve,” Plowman said. “We are always looking for new and better ways to increase access to education, make important discoveries, develop our state’s workforce and enhance quality of life for all Tennesseans.'
To be considered for the designation, universities go through a rigorous assessment, according to the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities website. UT conducted a self-study over multiple years, looking at its strengths and areas for improvement in economic and community engagement.
“We have achieved this recognition because Volunteers across every college and department understand the significance of economic and community engagement,” Plowman said. “It is an honor and an opportunity for us as we pursue the most impactful ways to serve the people of Tennessee.”
A task force made up of university leaders, students and community, nonprofit and business leaders also examined UT.
“We have long known that UT Knoxville was a hub of workplace development, innovation, and public service,” said UT System President Randy Boyd. “This designation shows that other land-grant universities recognize the quality of work by our professors, staff, and students.
Because of the recognition, UT hopes it will 'enhance our competitiveness in national competitions for grants, gifts, and faculty/staff recruitment.'
'The designation also tells current and new corporate and community organizations that we value their partnership and are committed to working with them to advance innovation-based economic development in Tennessee,' UT spokesperson Tyra Haag said.
What helped UT stand out
In 2017, UT helped create nearly 43,000 jobs and $2 billion in income for Tennesseans, according to a 2019 Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research report. 'UT has a number of excellent programs designed to cultivate a culture of innovation. The IEP designation highlights those initiatives and will help us leverage lessons learned as we embark on a growth and improvement plan,” said Vice Chancellor for Research Deborah Crawford.
“The designation also allows UT to join a community of practice with other IEP Universities that share resources, ideas and best practices.”
UT's mission goes beyond educating students and providing programs, said Tim Cross, senior vice president and senior vice chancellor of the UT Institute of Agriculture.
“We recognize that we are also here to improve lives across the state by advancing the economies in our local communities,' Cross said. 'That’s why this designation is so exciting — it means we’ll grow as a university and increase our impact on economic and community development, improving our state and country.'
Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, by Brenna McDermott
The East Tennessee Economic Development Agency markets and recruits business for the 15 counties in the greater Knoxville-Oak Ridge region of East Tennessee. Visit www.eteda.org
Published November 12, 2020