After a rigorous review process, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities designated Purdue University Northwest an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University.
The designation acknowledges PNW's commitment to partnering with the public and private sector to build innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and economic, workforce and community development.
“What has long made Purdue Northwest a unique and leading university in our Region is its commitment to serve Northwest Indiana and support its growth as a prime destination to work and live,” said PNW Chancellor Thomas Keon in a press release. “Purdue Northwest’s high-quality resources help catalyze initiatives with community partners that meet that goal. The university plays a leading part in charting a path forward for our neighboring communities.”
PNW is the third university in Indiana to gain the designation. It joins Purdue University in West Lafayette and Indiana University Bloomington. Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also are IEP designated.
“PNW has been significantly engaged with its constituents and the community through innovation and entrepreneurship, applied research and partnerships,” said Niaz Latif, PNW associate vice chancellor for commercialization and research. “The APLU’s IEP designation is the recognition of PNW’s excellent contribution to regional economic development.”
An independent panel reviewed PNW’s application. As part of the process, a self-study identified several strength's of PNW's economic engagement strategy.
- PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center and the future Roberts Impact Lab
- Applied doctoral programs, particularly PNW’s Doctor of Technology
- More than $30 million in sponsored research over the past three years
- Involvement in regional boards and economic development initiatives, such as Legacy Foundation, One Region and the Northwest Indiana Forum
- Status as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution
Emsi Burning Glass conducted an economic impact study that showed PNW contributes almost $746 million in total income to Northwest Indiana, or 2% of gross regional product. The university also supports 10,494 jobs in Northwest Indiana, or one out of every 36 jobs.
“This IEP designation exemplifies that the changing nature of higher education, as institutions like ours move beyond a focus on solely academic outcomes to strengthening their communities and local economies,” said Matthew Wells, associate vice chancellor for external engagement and development. “The resources invested by PNW into economic development translate into improving our Region’s quality of life and demonstrate the institution’s ongoing commitment to community impact.”
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.
Caption: Purdue Northwest has been named the third Innovation and Economic Prosperity University in Indiana after a rigorous review process. (Provided by PNW)
