Purdue News

February 13, 1998

Purdue focuses on Indiana's economic development

Don K. Gentry will continue to lead the School of Technology while taking on additional responsibility as special assistant to the president for economic development.

"Purdue's unique strengths in certain disciplines have the potential to become a powerful engine of economic development," said President Steven C. Beering. "I have asked Don Gentry to help us mobilize those strengths and to work closely with government offices, business and agricultural leaders, and educators to assure that our state gets the maximum possible advantages from the university's many resources. This is a major part of our vision for the land-grant university of the 21st century."

Gentry said: "This new economic development initiative is an exciting challenge for me and a great opportunity for the state. Purdue has more than a dozen economic development outreach efforts and many more programs that can have a positive economic impact. By focusing these efforts, we can provide a single front door for state offices, communities and business leaders who need our help."

Purdue offices currently involved in economic development include the Business and Industrial Development Center; Cooperative Extension Service; Krannert Executive Masters Program; Office of Industrial Research and Technology Transfer; Purdue Research Park; science, math and reading outreach programs; continuing education; distance learning; Technical Assistance Program; Technical Information Services; Technology Centers of Excellence; and the School of Technology Statewide System.

"All of these offices and programs are highly regarded individually and perform effective services, but we know that the development of a clear focus and strategies to harness these resources will produce the greatest results for the people of Indiana," Gentry said.

Proposed actions include:

• Determine the major economic development initiatives that are most vital to Indiana's future.
  
• Develop a master plan for Purdue's initiatives.
  
• Create a single entry point for economic development initiatives at Purdue.
  
• Identify barriers and work to remove them.
  
• Lay the foundation for special legislative initiatives.
  
• Champion an institutional environment that encourages and rewards partnerships, consortia, and interdisciplinary and outreach activities.
  
• Create a printed and on-line directory of business and economic development services.

Beering said Gentry's background makes him the ideal choice to lead the economic development effort. "Don has directed the state's vocational education programs, was the architect of Purdue's highly successful Statewide Technology initiative, and is a gifted administrator," Beering said. "He understands all aspects of Indiana's economy, and he has worked with all the Purdue programs that are tied to economic development. I'm pleased that he is willing to take on this additional challenge, and I'm confident he will produce outstanding results."

Gentry, who has been dean of the School of Technology since in 1987, joined Purdue in 1983 to start its Statewide Technology program. Previously, he was director of vocational education for the Indiana State Board of Vocational and Technical Education.

Source: Don Gentry, (765) 494-2552; dkgentry@tech.purdue.edu
Writer: Jeanne Norberg, (765) 494-2096; e-mail, jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A black-and-white photo of Don Gentry is available from the Purdue News Service.

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