The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents has approved Rogers State University to begin the architect selection process for its Center for Economic and Community Development.
The OU board of regents, the governing board for RSU, during its meeting this week granted authorization for RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley to initiate the process for selecting an architect for the proposed facility. The building would provide incubator space for entrepreneurial business and technology companies, as well as house RSU’s Center for Economic and Community Development, which was established in July 2002 to foster regional and state economic development.
The building would include office space, a computer lab, meeting rooms, a business resource library, administrative offices and other support facilities to provide a support system for entrepreneurial companies.
“In order for Oklahoma’s economy to grow, we must work together to provide a supportive environment where existing or emerging companies in growing sectors such as knowledge-based industries and service industries are given the opportunity and the tools necessary for success,” said Dr. Ray Brown, RSU’s vice president for Economic and Community Development.
RSU has secured private and federal matching funds to assist in construction of the facility. The proposed location for the building is on RSU’s Claremore campus, just west of the rifle range.
After the selection process is complete, Wiley will bring RSU’s recommendation for an architect to the OU board of regents for approval.