Tim Atkinson, assistant provost and director of Sponsored Programs at the University of Central Arkansas, has been appointed to co-chair the Economic and Workforce Development Committee with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Grant Resource Center.
The committee’s goal is to raise awareness of sponsored programs as a source of financing and capacity building for community development from within the university setting.
“The idea is that universities assist economic development, not just from a workforce development standpoint, but also offer expertise in areas that other non-profit organizations are lacking such as highly specialized faculty and outreach programs that have an immediate impact on the community,” Atkinson explained. “Some sponsored programs offices also deal with intellectual property and technology transfer issues which could translate into new business opportunities, resources for community development – both human and financial, and educational opportunities for students.”
Atkinson has been involved in the association’s Grant Resource Center for the past three years. The center provides comprehensive research and sponsored programs information services to faculty and administrators at member institutions.
Atkinson has been with UCA since 2008. Before coming to UCA, he was the director of research administration at UAMS.
“I am happy to be serving UCA in this capacity. I have the opportunity to interact with other sponsored programs professionals across the country and help develop training programs and information for a broad academic audience,” Atkinson said.
