BLOOMINGTON Ind.
Indiana Universityhopes a newly created job at the school will help technology research make thejump from the laboratory to the business world.
The university on Monday named William B. Stephan as the newvice president of engagement, a job that comes with a $240,000 salary. Stephan,who will start working for IU in September, has been senior vice president ofcommunity relations and corporate communications at Clarian Health Partnerssince 2005.
Purdue Universityhas garnered attention for its research park’s business incubators that helpbudding high-tech businesses grow before moving to larger spaces. Purduerecently announced its plans to build another research park near the Indianapolis International Airportto attract new startup companies and thousands of jobs over the next decade.
Michael McRobbie, who took over July 1 as president of IU,said the two schools should be partners, not rivals.
“Our competition with Purdue should be restricted tothe football field and the basketball court,” McRobbie said. “Outsideof that, we should be working together at every possible opportunity to advancethe interests of the state.”
Stephan said Purdue has done an excellent job with itsresearch parks.
“There’s an opportunity for us to work more closelywith our colleagues there,” he said. “We’re hopeful there will be newrelationships and collaborations to allow us to ramp up in this area.”
– Associated Press
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
