RSU Receives Grant To Establish Technology Incubator

Rogers State University received a $99,600 grant from the Rural Development Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture to establish a technology incubator at its Claremore campus.

U.S. Rep. Brad Carson and Brent Kisling, USDA Rural Development State Director for Oklahoma, presented a ceremonial check to RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley during the announcement Friday at the RSU campus in Claremore.

As northeast Oklahoma continues to grow and create jobs, this grant will help provide funding for a center that is crucial for vital economic development,” Carson said.  “I am very pleased at this announcement and look forward to the impact the funding will have on the economic development throughout our state.”

The technology incubator program is part of RSU’s Center for Economic and Community Development, which was established in 2002 to foster economic development and address the educational needs of business and industry in northeastern Oklahoma. The Center provides a one-stop shop for a consortium of entities that support economic development activities in the state. Other facets of the center include a regional research center for economic, demographic and social research and a small business development center.

“RSU is dedicated to its mission of being an economic development catalyst in northeastern Oklahoma, and we are appreciative of Congressman Carson and the USDA Rural Development for supporting our efforts,” Wiley said.

The center also is a recognized Business and Industry Data Center with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s State Data Center. In this capacity, the center provides economic and demographic data to area businesses, industry, and individuals. Available resources include a computer center with high-speed Internet access, a library of electronic and printed materials, and on-site professional staff.

“This project is a great example of how colleges and universities have become a strong partner and advocate for the economic development,” said Kisling.

RSU’s Center for Economic and Community Development is directed by Dr. Ray Brown, RSU vice president for economic and community development.

Also present for the announcement were: state Rep. Tad Jones; Mike Chance, executive director of the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority; Mike Schrammel, USDA Rural Development business and utilities director; Anita Kinyon, USDA Rural Development area manager; Kathy James, USDA Rural Development public information officer; and Bob Price, small business specialist, and Jennifer Roberts, coordinator of business services, both with RSU’s Center for Economic and Community Development.

For more information about the center, call (918) 343-7533.