Virginia Tech and TRE Networks, Inc. are pleased to present the Economic Engagement Academy for University and Community Leaders, endorsed by AASCU, CUMU, NOSC, CCPH, TRE, NERCHE, Carnegie Foundation, and APLU. This unique executive development program is designed for individuals, institution-community leadership teams, and institutional teams responsible for engaging the assets of the university with regional economic development activities.

Program participants will develop an institution- and region-wide perspective upon which to organize their efforts that culminate in transformative results. This framework will prepare both institution and community participants with critical knowledge to develop and implement a shared partnering agenda, as well as linking an integrated, holistic perspective of economic engagement to the teaching, research, and service missions of the institution.

Participants will return to their campuses and regions with specific plans to address their economic engagement goals linked to their university strategic plan, new tools to expand university-community economic partnerships, and shared understandings to advance the work within the university and between the university and region. The program is designed to foster competency in leading regional transformation efforts that result in visible, long-term impacts targeted at the needs of both institution and region. Participant competencies will include the capability to: assess regional assets, evaluate partner readiness, balance competing objectives, define and operationalize university-based economic development, customize program and regional change strategies, build effective partnerships, design unique partnering structures, develop resources, monitor and measure impact, and strategically communicate results with important audiences.

See Ideal Plan, Process, and Team for more information.

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