Binghamton University earns designation for “economic engagement”

VESTAL, N.Y. — Binghamton University is among 18 universities nationwide to earn the designation as an “Innovation & Economic Prosperity University.”

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) recognized the school for its “strong commitment to economic engagement,” Binghamton University said in a news release issued Tuesday.

The Washington, D.C.–based APLU describes itself as a “research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico,” according to its website.

The designation acknowledges universities working with public and private-sector partners in their states and regions to support economic development through various activities.

They include entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent, and workforce development, and community development, Binghamton said.

“Binghamton University continues to be a significant player in the economic development of Binghamton, the Southern Tier and New York state,” Harvey Stenger, university president, said in the release. “We are honored to earn such a designation.”

The APLU offered the designation after each university conducted a self-review with outside-stakeholder input and submitted an application for an independent review process, the school said.

“This designation is a testament to Binghamton University’s ability to leverage research, resources and brainpower into real economic impact,” Per Stromhaug, Binghamton’s assistant vice president for innovation and economic development, said in the news release. “Binghamton doesn’t exist in a bubble, and we’re thrilled to know that we’re positively impacting the communities that, in turn, breathe life into the university.”

The 17 other universities making up the third annual class of Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities are the following:

Auburn University; Clemson University; East Carolina University; Mississippi State University; New Jersey Institute of Technology; New Mexico State University; Ohio University; Southern Illinois University; University of Arizona; University of Kansas; University of Louisville; University of Maryland; University of Nebraska–Lincoln; University of New Mexico; University of South Florida; Utah State University; and Western University.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com