February EDC Newsletter - Register for KY Innovator Challenge / EDC awarded UK Engage grant

UK EDC News | February 2024

Talent Update

New UK Social Work program offers FREE tuition, stipends, job placement

The College of Social Work (CoSW) has partnered with higher education institutions across the Commonwealth to offer an innovative opportunity for students interested in a career focused on making a difference in the lives of Kentucky children and families.

Child Welfare (CW) PREP is a cutting-edge career preparation program. In return for a commitment to child welfare work, the CoSW will supply free tuition, a stipend and assistance in securing a job after graduation.

Jay Miller, dean of the CoSW, envisions the program as “more than just a step forward; it's a leap towards empowering a new generation of professionals dedicated to the well-being of people in our community.

Innovation Update

UK among top 100 worldwide universities granted US patents in 2023

The University of Kentucky was ranked in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents in 2023 by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

The report uses data provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and highlights the vital role patents play in university research and innovation.

Published annually since 2013, the report ranks the top 100 universities holding U.S. utility patents, which protect the way an invention is used and works, in the 2023 calendar year. The full report can be found here.

Equitable Economic Development Update

UK Land-Grant Engagement announces EDC as an award recipient for "Growing Our Own" initiative

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — in collaboration with Kentucky APEX Accelerator, Kentucky Small Business Development Center, Commerce Lexington Inc., UK Extension Offices, UK Procurement Services, and UK Economic Inclusion — is receiving one of the nine project-based awards supported by the University of Kentucky Office of Land-Grant Engagement.

This engagement funding will expand collaborative efforts between UK and partners across the Commonwealth while addressing important public needs — strengthening outreach and extension efforts in Kentucky.

The EDC's project is titled "Growing Our Own: Increasing Capacity for Kentucky Small Businesses". The project will target women-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned businesses for training and will assist in growing our own base of sustainable businesses, increase the economic viability of each county and fulfill our mission to Advance Kentucky.

Place Update

New UK agricultural economics Master's program focuses on problem-solving through extension

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment recently announced a new Agricultural Economics Master's program focusing on practical, real-world applications. The two-year program aims to prepare students for applied economics research, immersing them in extension work and addressing real-world challenges.

One key feature is personal and active collaboration with extension faculty who disseminate their work to community members via the UK Cooperative Extension Service offices and other organizations serving Kentuckians.

Partnership Update

UK Gatton College of Business and Economics Partners with PNC for Innovation Summit

The University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Kentucky’s flagship business college, is pleased to announce its collaboration with PNC Bank to host the 2024 PNC Innovation Summit , “The State of Generative AI,” March 20.

This year’s keynote will be presented by Sarah Sanders, co-founder of Native AI and vice chair of the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship.

In addition, Mark Liu, director of the MS finance program and associate professor at the Gatton College of Business and Economics, will present “How Machines Learn.”

Meet the Team

Part of a monthly series to introduce the Economic Development Collaborative Leaders

In his 13th year at the University of Kentucky, George Ward serves in several roles including Associate Vice President for Economic Development and Real Estate, President of Kentucky Technology, Inc., President of the UK Real Estate Foundation, and an adjunct professor in the Hospitality Management and Tourism program.

Ward has 35 years of executive experience including technology-based economic development, hotel and real estate development, finance and business operations, and government relations. Ward is a co-founder of H&W Management Co. Inc., a regional hotel development and real estate company and served as its President for 18 years. He was appointed Kentucky State Parks Commissioner in 2004 and later served as Kentucky's Commerce Cabinet Secretary for 2 years. Ward currently serves on the board of directors of the Transit Authority of Lexington and the North YMCA, is a member of the Bluegrass Regional Public Policy Council, and is an active participant in Lexington's high-tech entrepreneurial community.

Central Kentucky Job Club:

HR-Approved Interview Techniques

March 12, 2024 - 9:00 AM

Presented by Candra Bryant, Chief Operating Officer, Hanna Resource Group

This presentation covers essential do's and don'ts, guiding job seekers in articulating impactful responses during interviews to secure employment. She will review effective communication through virtual platforms, the importance of body language, and pitfalls to avoid in answering standard interview questions.

EDC Communication

The news featured here does not exclusively represent the work of the EDC, but rather highlights the contributions of various collaborators. We are honored to showcase the remarkable achievements taking place across the University of Kentucky.

The EDC Mission:

To proactively grow economic prosperity in the Commonwealth by focusing on the areas of Talent, Innovation, Place, Partnership, and Equitable Economic Development