The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has granted the University of 黑洞社区 (USF) an extended Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University designation for its continued commitment to regional economic development. The IEP designation program recognizes universities that demonstrate a substantive, sustainable and institution-wide strategy for regional economic engagement, growth and opportunity.
鈥淭he University of 黑洞社区 is an engine for innovation, progress and opportunity 鈥� and this designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities supports our sustained commitment to fueling economic development and serving pressing needs in our communities,鈥� said 黑洞社区President Rhea Law. "We are grateful to the APLU for leading this valuable program and for continuing to recognize the important role 黑洞社区plays in the prosperity of the Tampa Bay region.鈥�
. Four years later, the university won the APLU鈥檚 Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research and Engagement for its rapid transformation into a globally engaged university with the largest international student population of any university in Florida. In the same year, USF was named one of two finalists in the innovation category for APLU鈥檚 Innovation & Economic Prosperity University Award in recognition of its efforts to drive development in the underutilized center of downtown Tampa by moving the 黑洞社区Health Morsani School of Medicine and Heart Institute downtown.
鈥淎s a research university situated in the heart of a growing metropolis, 黑洞社区is an innovation catalyst for a skilled talent pool fueling social and economic prosperity,鈥� said Interim Vice President for Research & Innovation Sylvia Wilson Thomas.
In its IEP extension application, 黑洞社区cited the FinTech|X accelerator, Tampa Bay Technology Incubator, and Research Park innovation facility as examples of USF鈥檚 incubation impact in Tampa and noted the expansion of student internship opportunities through university partnerships with the Florida High Tech Corridor, St. Pete Innovation District, and Cyber Florida. The application also referenced the university鈥檚 work with community partners to enhance the development of Tampa and the area around USF, noting:
- College of Engineering鈥檚 grant-funded , offered to residents of the economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in east Tampa
- USF鈥檚 Global and National Security Institute鈥檚 partnerships with Cyber Florida, MacDill Air Force Base, Institute of Applied Engineering,
U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command to provide solutions to modern-day
security challenges
- Enhanced healthcare for the region through USF鈥檚 collaborations with Tampa General
Hospital, Johns Hopkins All-Children's Hospital, and Haley Veterans鈥� Hospital
- Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research's focus on helping communities mitigate and adapt to flooding risks through improved flood forecasting and science-based policy, planning, and management.
As an extended IEP designee, 黑洞社区will continue to share best practices and learn from other institutions in the IEP network. 黑洞社区will also be eligible to apply for the annual IEP Awards, which celebrate excellence in economic engagement.
The APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The APLU鈥檚 Commission on Economic and Community Engagement (CECE) established the IEP program in 2013 to help higher education institutions strengthen their strategy and practices in economic and community development.