+++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ APLU IEP DESIGNATION +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ Prairie View A&M’s membership with the Association of Public and +++++++++++++++++++++ Land-grant Universities (APLU) is another component of our trajectory +++++++++++++++++++++ as a prospective emerging research institution. APLU is a research, pol+++++++++++++++++++++ icy, and advocacy organization that is strengthening and advancing the +++++++++++++++++++++ work of public universities in North America. The association’s membership is 244 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state +++++++++++++++++++++ university systems, and affiliated organizations. APLU assists affiliates +++++++++++++++++++++ with improving student success and delivering the innovative workforce +++++++++++++++++++++ of tomorrow; promoting research and discovery to improve society; fos+++++++++++++++++++++ tering economic growth; and tackling global challenges. +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ APLU offers a highly selective Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities program, which helps an +++++++++++++++++++++ institution strengthen its strategy and practices in economic and community development. The IEP distinction is a recognition of exemplary commitment to regional economic engagement. Only 77 universities have earned +++++++++++++++++++++ the IEP distinction. +++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++
INNOVATION DRIVES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
For Vice President Magesh Rajan the pursuit of the IEP distinction aligns with the university's R2 classification goal and the growing research and innovation enterprise. The innovations and discoveries by PVAMU faculty have a significant impact on industries and the business region, community development, and individual lives. Rebecca Faison, Ph.D., ICEED's Director of Innovation-Economic Development, is leading this IEP designation process along with Vice President Rajan. The task involves a very rigorous assessment of campus stakeholders, regional engagement, and an extensive economic prosperity plan to APLU. Faison said this IEP designation will further develop and expand PVAMU's talent and workforce development; its innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic development. As a result of achieving this goal, Prairie View A&M will maximize the impact of its research and innovation on the greater Houston area and Southeast Texas economy and its diverse communities through our public service, outreach, extension, and community engagement. The process involves tremendous amounts of data collection, surveying, and evaluation. PVAMU is currently in a start-up cohort with 38 other universities. But the path to obtaining the designation is tedious. Just over 77 institutions have the IEP distinction in North America. The reward for the hard work required to earn the IEP title, Rajan said, is tremendous visibility to the university and impact on faculty and student recruitment, and a great boost for our Office of Innovation and Economic Development.
