February 14, 2024
K-State recognized for innovation and economic prosperity efforts
Kansas State University has once again been recognized for its dedication to innovation, economic development and community engagement by earning a five-year extension of its Innovation and Economic Prosperity, or IEP, designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, or APLU.
K-State was recognized as an IEP-designated institution because of its significant, sustainable and campuswide commitment to economic engagement. The designation was first received in July 2017, and K-State is one of 91 institutions that have received it.
"At K-State, we recognize that our mission goes beyond academics," said Beth Montelone, senior associate vice president for research. "We are proud to have our commitment to economic development and community engagement acknowledged through the extension of the IEP designation."
The IEP program is designed to help institutions better understand, measure and enhance their economic and community development impact. The program recognizes institutions that have demonstrated the value of committing to strategies that support sustainable regionwide economic engagement and economic opportunities that will continue to grow. Montelone and Rebecca Robinson, president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners, serve as the university's IEP campus contacts.
To secure the extension, the Office of the Vice President for Research and K-State Innovation Partners collected economic engagement data and reported on institutional progress during the last five years. This process included engaging a range of internal and external stakeholders to understand changes in the ecosystem, collect progress data and identify future growth opportunities.
"This acknowledgement by APLU validates our ongoing efforts, serving as a testament to the impactful work we’re doing at K-State and underscoring the significance of our collaborative endeavors in driving innovation and fostering economic development in our state," Robinson said.
K-State was also recognized in November of 2023 as the winner of the IEP Place award, which recognized the university's public service, outreach and community engagement. Case studies highlighted in K-State's submission included development of the Edge Collaboration District along the northern edge of K-State's Manhattan campus, leadership as a hub for biosecurity and biodefense in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, and innovative solutions addressing affordable housing needs through sustainable design and construction practices.
"As the next-generation land-grant institution, it is a part of our mission to support innovation and economic growth throughout our state," said David Rosowsky, vice president for research. "I'm thrilled that our efforts have been recognized through this prestigious national designation from APLU."
For more information about the APLU and the IEP program, visit the APLU website.