IUPUC faculty member Tom Clerkin, Ph.D., will represent IUPUC on an Indiana University-wide council focused on economic development.

The IU Council on Regional Engagement and Economic Development was established as part of Indiana University’s “Innovate Indiana” initiative. It includes representatives from IU’s eight campuses and three engagement offices located throughout the state.

The purpose of the council is to create a university-wide forum to more effectively connect with all IU campuses and the communities they serve in addressing regional economic issues. Council members were appointed by their chancellors.

According to David Gard, executive director of engagement at IU, “through ongoing interaction and dialogue, the Council will be instrumental in identifying how the university can bring its considerable resources and expertise to bear in ways to enhance economic development efforts throughout the state. This first meeting is designed to foster ample discussion of opportunities and challenges faced at the regional level.”

“Innovate Indiana” is the name for Indiana University’s efforts to channel the university’s vast resources to strengthen the Hoosier economy. The Office of the Vice President for Engagement is the central point of contact for “Innovate Indiana,” coordinating IU’s economic development activities across the state and connecting the business community in Indiana, the nation, and the world to IU.

Clerkin is an assistant professor of business in the Division of Business at IUPUC.