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Interact With University Experts in Discussion on Challenges Facing Higher Education

September 03, 2008
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This year, SSTI is providing conference attendees with the unique opportunity to take part in plenary and semi-plenary conference sessions through direct involvement and interaction with leaders in the TBED community – industry leaders, economic development directors, and university presidents to name a few.

Drawing on the expertise and insights of four university leaders, SSTI will examine the challenges facing higher education. What we expect from our universities is rapidly changing – even if policymakers and politicians are not clearly stating what those expectations are. As states simultaneously fund ambitious centers of excellence while cutting core operating support, today’s environment for universities is entirely different from that of just 10 years ago. Aptly titled Universities’ Current and Future Role in Regional Innovation, this session seeks to answer the questions, where are we heading? Where should we be heading? And what does it mean for the TBED community and universities?

Instant audience response and a casual interview format will allow participants to engage in forward thinking discussion on a wide array of topics led by the following:

  • Luis Proenza, President of the University of Akron, whose experienced leadership has led the university to undertake several high-profile initiatives that have completely transformed the campus and its surrounding neighborhoods and positioned the university as a strategic business partner with both government and corporate entities. 
  • William (Brit) Kirwan (via video conference), Chancellor of the University System of Maryland and former President of Ohio State University and University of Maryland College Park, a nationally recognized authority on critical issues shaping higher education, including accountability, cost containment, economic competitiveness, and diversity and equity.
  • Victor (Vic) Lechtenberg, Vice Provost for Engagement at Purdue University, who previously served as associate director for the Office of Agricultural Research Programs and is a member of several academic, professional, and scholarly societies, contributing nearly 150 technical papers, approximately 50 abstracts and six book chapters.

Don Smith, Vice President of Economic Development for the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, will serve as moderator. One of the most popular of facilitators at past SSTI conferences, Dr. Smith brings extensive economic development experience spanning national, state, regional, local and academic organizations.

Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 10:45 a.m. during SSTI’s 12th Annual Conference. More information is available at: http://www.ssticonference.org/

Ohio