A delegation from the Promotion and Tenure – Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PTIE) initiative visited the University of Wyoming on April 20-21 as part of Research and Discovery Days, according to a May 5 announcement.
The visit is part of a broader effort to ensure that faculty contributions in innovation and entrepreneurship are recognized within academic promotion, tenure, and advancement policies. The PTIE initiative, led by Oregon State University with support from the National Science Foundation, connects institutions nationwide to share outcomes through publications, conferences, workshops, and online resources.
The Oregon State University team included Rich Carter, professor of chemistry; Jana Bouwma-Gearhart, associate dean of research in the College of Education; Jesenia Rosales; and Rachael Cody. All are involved in advancing faculty recognition for innovation excellence. During their time at UW, they engaged with faculty members and administrators through events such as the IMPACT 307 Lunch and Learn and the Accelerating Research Translation Symposium.
“Through the ART programs, we are attempting to accelerate the idea to impact transition. PTIE team visits help us in the efforts to institutionalize innovation culture at UW,” says Parag Chitnis, vice president for Research and Economic Development. “As the state’s land-grant university, UW’s research addresses Wyoming’s needs. The PTIE team’s advice will help us speed up and expand these impacts.”
Interim Provost Anne Alexander said: “The University of Wyoming is proud to engage with national leaders through the PTIE initiative as we continue to strengthen how we recognize and support faculty innovation and entrepreneurship. This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing research with real-world impact and ensuring our faculty are empowered to translate their ideas into meaningful outcomes.”
During meetings on campus, the PTIE delegation collected feedback from UW leadership while offering recommendations designed to enhance institutional practices around recognizing innovative activities among university faculty.