The U is taking another step toward achieving its Impact 2030 goals by exploring new ways to infuse higher education in tackling societal challenges. The newly-created Office of Strategic Economic Partnerships is focusing on catalyzing internal and external stakeholders to address statewide challenges, including everything from mental health to Utah’s economic growth.

“The U offers an incredible platform for collaboration between faculty, students, government and industry partners to create positive impact,” said Dave Patel, managing director for strategic economic partnerships. “Our primary goal is to be an active participant in helping to lift the state.”

Patel, as well as George “Buzz” Welch, associate managing director for strategic economic partnerships, have been tasked with formalizing strategic partnerships that align with the university’s mission and goals. They will support efforts to connect research and innovations at the U with local, regional and national business communities to foster partnerships that can drive economic growth. In Utah, Patel and Welch plan to work with the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, Utah State Legislature, Economic Development Corporation of Utah, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and World Trade Center Utah to identify ways the U can help boost the state.

“As a leading research institution, the U is already impacting our world in tackling energy production, Responsible AI applications, and training our future workforce of engineers, caretakers and healthcare professionals, to name a few,” said Vice President for Government Relations Jason Perry. “We are excited about the opportunities we have to work with our community to have further impact on our home state.”

Welch is an associate professor of finance in the David Eccles School of Business and an adjunct professor of urban planning in the College of Architecture and Planning. After joining the U in 2006, he helped found the master of real estate development program and established the Eccles Global Learning Abroad program. He received the Rod Brady Superior Teaching Award and the Marvin J. Ashton Teaching Excellence Award. Previously, he worked as real estate capital markets senior vice president and mountain states regional manager at J.P. Morgan Chase.

Patel recently served as the associate dean of student and external affairs for the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Prior joining USU in 2009, Patel served as director of national operations for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence upon his departure.