East Stroudsburg University Division of Research and Economic Development Established

ESU President, Dr. Robert J. Dillman has announced the establishment of the East Stroudsburg University division of Research and Economic Development (RED).

"This is an exciting milestone in the recent history of ESU. The Research and Economic Development division provides clear benefits to the ESU community and to the region," said ESU President Robert J. Dillman. "ESU has been identified as a "best practice" model in community and economic development regionally and by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The University operates an award-winning Business Accelerator program that is creating high-tech jobs while our sponsored programs and research efforts have generated in excess of $14M in grant funding over the past five years."

The Research and Economic Development division includes the ESU Office of Sponsored Programs and Research, Workforce Development Programs, Business Accelerator Program, and the management of the Center for Research and Economic Development (CFRED), a (501c3) not for profit corporation/affiliate organization of ESU.

The further development of the division of Research and Economic Development and of ESU's new College of Business, Management and Economics is designed to strategically enhance the ability of the university to prepare students for professional success and to become entrepreneurs as they compete in the global marketplace.

The CFRED component of the division serves as the administrator of the Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone and Pocono Mountains Angel Network. It also manages the development and operation of the ESU Research and Technology Park underway on Route 447 in Smithfield Township.

The division is responsible for supporting the academic mission of the university through community and economic development initiatives and through sponsored programs, grants and research activity.

In the area of entrepreneurship, the ESU business accelerator hosts seven high-tech companies and has created over 83 new jobs. Currently, three companies are owned by ESU recent graduates, and one is owned by ESU faculty.

The Business Accelerator program was launched in 2001 with the goal of building a more diversified business base, increasing high-tech family-sustaining job opportunities and creating regional wealth.

Grant, contract and research activities will also be managed through the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. The office will provide a centralized unit for the pre- and post-award management of extramural grants, resources to assist in the identification of grant opportunities, support and guidance in grant writing and project development and provide financial management of grant funds.

In the area of workforce development, RED will manage and administer the ESU WEDnetPA Guaranteed Free Training Program, Customized Job Training and Workforce Education initiatives. In addition, RED will develop an ESU Corporate University model that will focus on identifying and providing critical workforce education to help employers maintain a competent and productive workforce.
The ESU Research and Economic Development division reports to President Dillman and will be led by Mary Frances Postupack, Chief Executive Officer. The RED team includes: Patricia Campbell, Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research; Brad Klein, Director of the ESU Business Accelerator and Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone; Miguel Barbosa, Director of Workforce Development; Jane Togher, Grant and Compliance Accountant, and Ingrid Sidlosky, Administrative Assistant to the Center for Research and Economic Development.

RED was created following the approval by the ESU's President's Council to transfer the pre- and post-award functions of ESU extramural grants and contracts from the Office of Graduate Studies to Research and Economic Development. The grant transfer process and reorganization was a collaborative effort facilitated by the Office of the Provost, Office of Graduate Studies and Faculty Research, Office of the Controller, and ESU Center for Research and Economic Development.

For more information, contact Research and Economic Development at 570-422-7920.