The University of New Mexico was first designated as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University in 2015 by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and in 2018 received the IEP Place award for exemplary initiatives in creating the Lobo Rainforest Building at Innovate ABQ. This year, the University received an extension on the IEP designation for its exemplary initiatives resulting in social, cultural, or community development.
APLU’s IEP Universities designation program helps higher education institutions codify, elevate, and advance their enterprise supporting economic and community development while providing national recognition to institutions committed to university economic development. In order to earn the designation, institutions complete a rigorous self-study and stakeholder engagement process. They identify their economic development strengths and areas of growth and improvement.
“We are thrilled to be granted this 5-year extension. It reaffirms our ongoing commitment to supporting regional economic engagement and community development in partnership with the University of New Mexico,” said Lisa Kuuttila, CEO & chief economic development officer for UNM Rainforest Innovations, the University’s technology-transfer and economic development organization.
The objective of the five-year extension process is to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to economic engagement, to ensure that their Growth and Improvement Plan and their economic engagement enterprise is consistent with current conditions and goals, and to ensure that the IEP designation continues to serve as a mark of excellence that distinguishes IEP universities.
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
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. With a membership of 238 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations, APLU’s agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement. Learn more here: www.aplu.org