ESU's Center for Research and Economic Development: An Education and Business Partnership

East Stroudsburg University seized an enormous opportunity to reach out to the region's business community by creating the Center for Research and Economic Development. The not–for–profit center serves as the principal economic development and research extension of the university, dedicated to entrepreneurial initiatives, research, and workforce training.

An Education and Industry Partnership

East Stroudsburg University seized an enormous opportunity to reach out to the region's business community by creating the Center for Research and Economic Development. The not–for–profit center serves as the principal economic development and research extension of the university, dedicated to entrepreneurial initiatives, research, and workforce training.

"As an educational institution it is our responsibility to support economic development and provide opportunities for research and training," says Dr. Robert J. Dillman, president of ESU. "The center is a model partnership uniting education and industry to play a responsible role in economic development."

Utilizing a team of university faculty, staff and students, in addition to consultants, the center addresses issues related to regional as well as global economic development. The center is responsible for the: University's Business Accelerator — An Affiliate of the University City Science Center's Port of Technology, workforce training and outreach programs, and applied research, grants and contracts.

How is this accomplished?

"Our goals are ambitious," admits Mary Frances Postupack, the center's chief operating officer, "but ESU has listened to the needs of the community and the commonwealth, and we strongly believe that the center will bring new businesses to the region, help train our workforce and bolster the economy. It also adds an exciting entrepreneurial spirit to the area."

Postupack is delighted to work with an enthusiastic 11–member board of directors whose members recently agreed to serve for terms up to three years.

"I have been an advocate for this center since its inception," says Frank Rushen, board president. "As former CEO of Instrument Specialties, I have seen the business climate in Monroe County change in the last 18 years. My commitment to this center is based on economics and the importance of attracting and retaining business and industry to this area."

"Our board of directors understands that education plays a vital role in economic development. In addition to helping ESU establish a recognizable place for the center in Northeast Pennsylvania, we also have the tremendous obligation of ensuring that the center does its job and does it well."

"Each of the individuals selected for the center's board of directors has a stellar track record within their profession," says Rushen. "It is a great pleasure to take part in the center's mission, knowing that the results of our combined efforts are certain to attain great success."

While board members' primary role is to oversee the center's fiscal integrity and establish the policies and procedures for its effective operation, their involvement is invaluable because they are also responsible for strengthening and developing community relationships in order to identify and establish new partnerships and opportunities.

Vision for the Future

Northeast Pennsylvania has lagged behind state and national averages in the rate of new business formation and the creation of technologically advanced industries. Together with regional economic development organizations, the Center for Research and Economic Development is working to reverse this trend. and to strengthen the regional economy with high–tech job opportunities, workforce development, and applied research.