Augusta University is Seeking Innovation and Economic Prosperity Designation.
The Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) designation, awarded by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), recognizes universities that excel in fostering economic growth, innovation, and community engagement. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to driving regional development through research, talent development, and strong community partnerships.
By pursuing the IEP designation, our university engages in a self study process while engaging with internal and external stakeholders within IEP’s three pillars:
Innovation
University-led research and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Talent
Programs preparing students for workforce development.
Place
How the university collaborates with the community to enhance quality of life.
Our Goals
The IEP designation aligns with Augusta University's strategic plan by enhancing our role as a leader in innovation, talent, and place. It reflects our commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting local partnerships, and advancing opportunities that strengthen our region and improve lives.
Why It Matters:The IEP designation benefits students by expanding opportunities for experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and career development. Faculty gain greater support for research and collaboration that drives innovation. Businesses benefit from partnerships that fuel growth, talent pipelines, and access to cutting-edge ideas. The region thrives through enhanced economic development, workforce readiness, and quality of life.
Rooted ininnovation, talent, and place, this designation strengthens Augusta University’s impact as a catalyst for progress in our community.
As part of the innovation and economic prosperity (IEP) self-study of Augusta University, the following representatives were identified to serve as the primary points of contact for each category ofTalent, Innovation, and Place. Each representative assisted the team in identifying and engaging internal and external stakeholders for interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
Innovation
Chris McKinney
Co-Chair
Associate Vice President, Innovation and Commercialization
Augusta University
Scott Thorp
Co-Chair
AVP Interdisciplinary Research
Augusta University
Steering Committee
Doug BlackburnAssistant Vice President, Instruction Services, Augusta University
Michael CarrPre-Award Services, Augusta University
Sub-Committee Members
Al DallasAdministrator and Chief of Staff, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University
Chris DicksonAugusta Area Technology Startup Catalyst, Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC)
Eric FrickeySenior Business Consultant, UGA Small Business Development Center
Scott HardigreeFounder, Email Industries
Vahe HeboyanAssociate Professor of Health Economics, Augusta University
Elizabeth HoffmanDirector of Innovation and University Engagement, Savannah River National Lab (SRNL)
Matt LyonDirector, MCG Telehealth, Augusta University
Scott MonnigChief Client Officer, SPARQ
Paul NewsomTimmerman Chair in Enterprise Development, University of South Carolina, Aiken
What is the APLU IEP Designation? The Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) designation recognizes universities for their impact on economic engagement, innovation, talent, and place-based development.
Why are we pursuing the IEP designation alongside the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement? Both align with our strategic plan. The IEP designation highlights our role in innovation and economic growth, while the Carnegie Classification emphasizes our community engagement efforts.
What is the difference between economic engagement and community engagement? Economic engagement focuses on driving regional economic growth through innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Community engagement involves partnerships that improve social and cultural well-being.
How will we assess our economic engagement practices? Through a self-study process, campus-wide surveys, roundtable discussions, and stakeholder interviews, culminating in a strategic improvement plan.
What is the timeline for the self-study and application process?
Spring/Summer 2024– Launch self-study, surveys, and stakeholder engagement.
Fall 2024 – Spring 2025– Host interviews and discussions.
Spring – Summer 2025– Develop a growth plan and submit for review.
