February 2, 2024
CEO of K-State Innovation Partners accepts new position
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
Rebecca Robinson, president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners, will resign from her position effective March 31 to become the associate vice president for economic development and industry relations and senior advisor for strategic initiatives at Oregon State University.
During her 15-year tenure at K-State, Robinson has been an instrumental figure in building industry partnerships for K-State and driving university-based economic development in the Manhattan region and beyond. Robinson's leadership has been marked by the recruitment of 29 technology-based companies to the Manhattan, Kansas region, resulting in the creation of more than 1,600 high-wage jobs.
"It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners," said Robinson. "I am immensely grateful I've had the opportunity to work with such a talented team and have contributed to the growth and success of this institution, region and state. While I will miss my colleagues and the vibrant community at K-State, I am excited to embark on this new chapter and continue advancing innovation and economic development initiatives."
In partnership with the community, Robinson has served as an ambassador for the university, earning recognition from BioKansas, the State Science and Technology Institute and the University Economic Development Association for corporate engagement and economic development efforts. She played a key role in securing the Association of Public and Land-Grant University, or APLU, Innovation and Economic Prosperity, or IEP, Designation, the Innovation Award of Excellence in 2017, and the Place Award in 2023.
She has been an active member of various boards and committees, including the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership, BioKansas, the Kansas Business Hall of Fame, the APLU IEP Advisory Committee, and also served as a past president of the University Economic Development Association.
"Rebecca has been a driving force in advancing innovation and economic development initiatives at K-State," said David Rosowsky, vice president for research. "Her leadership has been invaluable, and we wish her continued success in her new role at Oregon State University. The foundation she has helped build will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success of K-State and economic prosperity in Kansas."
Following an internal search in 2023, Robinson was selected to lead K-State Innovation Partners and was responsible for overseeing and enhancing K-State's robust innovation ecosystem, including economic development, corporate engagement, technology commercialization and strategic initiatives.
The university is currently reviewing its tech transfer, commercialization, corporate engagement and economic development functions to align these efforts with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan. An interim leadership plan will be announced in the coming weeks.