Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Michael Driscoll has authored a chapter in a monograph coordinated by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Grants Resource Center. The monograph is titled “Stewards of Place: Implementing Regional Engagement and Economic Development Strategies.”
Driscoll's chapter, “Regional Engagement: A President's Perspective,” offers advice on how to move institutions forward in leading economic, workforce, community, and social development.
It identifies some broad themes common to successful initiatives that are identified in the monograph, including defining goals; the need to stay aligned with the institution's mission and goals; knowledge of the institution's core strengths, capabilities, and a true analysis of chances for success; the value of partnerships; recognizing legal issues; and measuring success.
The monograph is available free on the AASCU and Grants Resource Center websites and can be viewed as an e-book or PDF. The monograph is the third in a series by AASCU and highlights real-world case studies and best practices drawn from state colleges and universities.
Driscoll serves as chair of the AASCU Committee on Economic and Workforce Development.
“Meeting the needs of the region while balancing the needs of the institution is a tightrope for institutions, especially in the face of demographic and budgetary challenges,” Driscoll said. “It's an honor to have been invited to contribute to this publication and to be part of the discussion of this important issue.”
AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of more than 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions' economic progress and cultural development.