Marietta College is pleased to introduce and launch the Center for Appalachian Innovation during a celebration on Monday, Nov. 10, at 2:30 p.m. in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. The event will unite community, regional, industry, government, and academic leaders in support of Appalachian Ohio’s future. A reception will follow the program. The event is open to the public.
Funded with support from the State of Ohio’s Priority Projects Line Item, the Center for Appalachian Innovation will serve as a hub for research, policy, and collaboration, with an annual appropriation of $750,000 for the next two years. Designed to advance innovation, economic growth, and community engagement throughout Appalachian Ohio, the Center is built on three foundational pillars of engagement:
- Research: The Center will sponsor faculty and student research in collaboration with industry and local government to investigate and identify solutions to systemic regional challenges.
- Convene: The Center will bring together leaders from business and government for symposia to focus on innovative solutions and highlight opportunities available to the region.
- Support: The Center will provide capacity-building support to local and regional governments and small businesses to help them better serve their constituents and seek opportunities for growth and funding.
The launch of the Center deepens Marietta College’s commitment to creating pathways for opportunity and strengthens the College’s role as a leader and active partner in advancing the economic, educational, and civic growth of the region.
“Appalachian Ohio has a rich history and tremendous potential,” said Dr. Kathleen Dougherty, President of Marietta College. “This Center is about embracing who we are as a region and working together to help Appalachian communities thrive. By uniting Marietta College’s academic strengths with regional leadership and innovation-oriented stakeholders, we aim to serve as a catalyst for economic and community revitalization in Marietta and Appalachian Ohio.”
The launch event marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to transform ideas into action and create meaningful opportunities. By bringing together students, faculty, industry leaders, and policymakers, the Center for Appalachian Innovation will enable partners to explore opportunities for growth and development together, so that communities across the area can thrive.
Attendees will include leaders from higher education, local government, business, economic development organizations, community groups, and other key stakeholders invested in Appalachian Ohio’s future. The event is open to the public and will include remarks from President Dougherty, State Senator Brian Chavez, State Representative Kevin Ritter, Washington County Commissioner Charlie Schilling, and local business leader Jim Vuksic.