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TBED Efforts to Double Size of Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) Chancellor John Bardo recently unveiled plans for a comprehensive regional economic development strategy that would more than double the size of the campus and promote university-industry partnerships.
The recent acquisition of 344 acres adjacent to the current campus would be used to develop a Millennium Campus at WCU, similar to traditional technology parks. The university likens the campus to a multi-use neighborhood that would encompass a mix of academic buildings, research facilities, business, industry, and housing. State-approved legislation in 2000 made it possible for University of North Carolina institutions to seek public-private partnerships and also authorized the Millennium Campus.
According to the university, the Millennial Initiative is designed to engage public-private partnerships to enhance opportunities for students in high-tech programs, facilitate cutting-edge research, and promote economic development.
Potential facilities to be located at WCU include a center for broadband development, a center for entrepreneurial development, and a center for environmental science. Bardo also announced possible private sector partners would include a wireless technology applied R&D company in collaboration with the College of Applied Science and a multi-tenant center for applied R&D engineering, computer engineering and chemistry in collaboration with the College of Business.
The university purchased the land for $2.87 million, using part of their share of funds provided through the 2000 North Carolina Higher Education Bond Referendum. WCU also received a $300,000 federal grant to develop business and marketing plans for the initiative.
"We want to keep the best and brightest of the region's young people from having no choice but to leave home to find the type of high-paying jobs available elsewhere," said Bardo. Although the chancellor announced plans for the campus, a formal plan must be submitted to and approved by the Board of Governors before development can begin.
More information is available at: http://millennial.wcu.edu/