Indiana University Kokomo Regional Transformation Initiative UEDA University Economic Development Association

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Indiana University Kokomo Regional Transformation Initiative
Home Member Value Best Practice Sharing Awards of Excellence Awards of Excellence 2012 Finalists I ndi ana Uni ver si t y Kok omo Regi onal Tr ansf or mat i on
I ni t i at i ve
Aw ar d Cat egor y: Leadership and Collaboration
Pr oj ec t Si t e: Indiana University Kokomo Regional Transformation Initiative
Submi t t ed By: Indiana University Kokomo
Cont ac t : Michael Harris
765.455.9225
Case Study
Problem/Background
Our nation and the communities we serve are facing an almost perfect storm. We are experiencing a rapid shift
from an economy of traditional industrial manufacturing, based on natural resources and labor, to an economy
of knowledge, driven by innovation and entrepreneurship; further complicated by intense global competitiveness
and uncertainty. In light of the many economic challenges, it is Indiana University Kokomos mission and
obligation to offer hope, be forward looking, optimistic and work toward a future in abundance. A necessary
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Indiana University Kokomo Regional Transformation Initiative UEDA University Economic Development Association
http://universityeda.org/...actice-sharing/awards-of-excellence/awards-of-excellence-2012-finalists/indiana-university-kokomo-regional-transformation-initiative/[5/18/2014 5:35:18 PM]
condition is that higher education must embrace a leadership role in regional transformation.
We will achieve competitiveness through a high concentration of knowledge, skills, innovation and
entrepreneurship capacity. Academic leadership, courage, humility and willingness to maximize opportunities
are vital to the paradigm shift.
This shift requires a new model of leadership, one which is entrepreneurial. A key element in accomplishing this
task and assuring a positive outcome, is reevaluating the role of regional campuses. We need to reaffirm our
commitment to being stewards of place and not only fulfill a responsibility to graduate world class students. IU
Kokomo has a clear and emerging role in serving as a leader and partner in regional transformation. A recent
AASCU survey of Presidents and Chancellors found fewer than half are closely linked to their communities;
regional transformation is simply not a strategic priority. This has to change; regional transformation must be at
the forefront of strategic planning for universities and embraced by academic leaders.
Although regional transformation is not a core value which has traditionally been integrated into institutions, it is
now time for a paradigm shift to embrace this role in addition to academic excellence and student success.
Academic leaders have the opportunity to shape discourse around the importance of being stewards of place.
Solution
The role of Indiana University Kokomo as a catalyst for regional transformation has been intentional, engaging,
and strategic. When Chancellor Michael Harris arrived in J uly of 2010, he immediately set a goal to meet 200
community leaders throughout the 14 county service area, and he surpassed that goal. This set the foundation
for enhanced relationships in all communities. Immediately following, in October of 2010, Chancellor Harris was
officially installed as the new Chancellor. Rather than the traditional pomp and circumstance of a ceremony,
Chancellor Harris insisted on an event that involved all communities in the region. Over 60 organizations from
the region came to campus and set up a booth to share their story, and the over 500 people in attendance
gained a better understanding of the immense power and scope of the region.
Realizing IU Kokomos role as a convener and neutral guide for building collaboration, the campus hosted an
event in May of 2011 that was two phase: a gathering of regional organizations and a regional leader forum.
The meeting of the regional organizations was an opportunity to groups that have a regional focus to begin
working together to further their efforts. During the regional leadership forum, Chancellor Harris set the stage
for the importance of metrics in regional transformation, and introduced the upcoming study commissioned by IU
Kokomo that would identify metrics to gauge regional transformation in north central Indiana.
In J uly of 2011, IU Kokomo convened a summit of Mayors from North Central Indiana. The 11 mayors in
attendance discussed their views on regionalism, the importance of government, business, and education
working together (the triple Helix), and also challenges in adopting a regional mindset.
The next meeting of regional leaders was held in November 2011. The almost 100 participants came together
to view the regional benchmarking study and discuss the findings. A portion of the session was set aside to
discuss the economic outlook of the region, the state, and the country.
In May of 2012, IU Kokomo hosted a Regional Town Hall meeting, attended by over 80 people. This meeting
included an analysis of the economic impact of IU Kokomo in the region, and a lively discussion concerning the
future of the region and what must happen next.
Indiana University Kokomo has committed itself to regional transformation and has been very successful in
developing a collaborative framework. We have initiated a variety of joint activities bringing regional partners,
faculty, staff, students, and alumni together to cultivate a regional focus, collaboration and action. We are
building on our role as stewards of place to facilitate and expedite a complex and non-traditional framework for
partnership and joint responsibility.
We embrace a Triple Helix framework which includes a university/campus, businesses, and governments
collaborating together to assure economic development.
Results
Indiana University Kokomo has become recognized throughout the region as a catalyst for regional
transformation. While difficult to measure the change in attitude or mindset, the conversation surrounding
regionalism in north central Indiana is more lively, engaging, and substantive.
Indiana University Kokomo Regional Transformation Initiative UEDA University Economic Development Association
http://universityeda.org/...actice-sharing/awards-of-excellence/awards-of-excellence-2012-finalists/indiana-university-kokomo-regional-transformation-initiative/[5/18/2014 5:35:18 PM]
Shar e
t hi s:
Since the latest meeting, IU Kokomo has been approached to convene the mayors and commissioners of a 6
county area. We have been asked to guide these public officials to support the creation of a formal regional
planning organization to be recognized by the EDA. IU Kokomo was approached because the group is
confident of the convening power of IU Kokomo.
An additional project resulting from efforts, IU Kokomo, Purdue University, and Indiana University are now
working toward creating The Indiana Innovation Platform: a Proof of Concept Accelerator. Indiana University
Kokomo was selected as a partner in this effort and to serve as the face of the Accelerator in the region due to
the enthusiasm, energy and dynamic actions in the area of regional transformation.
Future Considerations
Indiana University Kokomo will continue to convene leaders and engage in action oriented efforts to transform
the north central Indiana region. A Coordinator for Regional Engagement has been hired. A new partnership
with the Indiana Small Business Development Center has been forged. Partnership with the Purdue Center for
Regional Development will be further strengthened. Efforts with the Office for Community and Rural Affairs in
the Lt. Governors Office will be expanded. At least 2 regional leader events will be convened each year,
including business leaders, community leaders, and governmental leaders. We look forward to innovative and
entrepreneurial efforts to launch a bright and prosperous future for north central Indiana. It is our responsibility.

Finalist Presentation
UEDA Awards of Excellence Finalists presented at the Annual Summit in Chattanooga on October 22, 2012.
Summit attendees then voted for the best initiative in each category.
UEDA Summi t 2012: Aw ar ds of Ex c el l enc e I ndi ana Uni ver si t y Kok omo Regi onal
Tr ansf or mat i on I ni t i at i ve (I ndi ana Uni ver si t y Kok omo) from Uni ver si t yEDA
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