A&M Researchers Will Collect Comprehensive Data on Plan’s Objectives for Recruitment and Growth
AAMU Selected to Help Create New Strategic Economic Growth Plan for State of Alabama
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced Alabama A&M University has been selected to assist in the creation of a new strategic economic growth plan that will guide the state into the next decade and beyond.
A&M researchers will gather comprehensive data to help a small team led by Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, to identify the plan’s overall objectives, potential new approaches and the target industry sectors best aligned for recruitment and growth.
“We are excited about the opportunity to serve the state of Alabama, and its citizens in this capacity,” says Professor, Researcher and Interim Dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Behavior Sciences, Dr. Peter Eley. “We look forward to using the expertise of our faculty and staff to inform state officials of the current economic state in support of the development of the economic strategic plan.”
Collaborating partners include:
- McKinsey & Company, which will conduct a quantitative analysis of the target sectors and develop strategies for each of these sectors spanning the range of innovation and entrepreneurship, business retention/expansion and business attraction. The firm will also engage with industry leaders outside of Alabama for a qualitative analysis.
- Troy University’s Continuing Education and Outreach will facilitate focus groups of internal stakeholders including regional economic developers, private sector leaders and business associations.
- Alabama A&M University’s Center for Educator Preparation and Certification Services will bring an academic element to the qualitative analysis through extensive notetaking, review and the preparation of a final report based on the information gathered.
“The AAMU Research Team is looking forward to the partnership with Troy University to analyze the data to develop a report for creating the strategic economic plan for Alabama,” says Dr. Lydia Davenport, Lead Researcher for the Project and Director for the Center for Education Preparation and Certification Services.
The AAMU Research Team also includes Dr. Takisha Durm, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education; Dr. Salam Khan, Professor of Mathematics, and Dr. John Prestridge, Assistant Professor of Instructional Leadership.
“It's always great to collaborate with other higher education institutions to conduct research,” says Prestridge.
“Our research team is looking forward to writing the report from the focus groups that will take place throughout the State of Alabama,” adds Khan.
The A&M researchers say the data analysis coupled with the writing of the final report will be critical to state lawmakers as they make decisions based on the evidence they will provide.
“I am happy to be a part of this research effort for a report that will make a difference in the economic growth of the state,” says Durm. “To be a part of a research study like this is exciting.”
In addition, the executive committee will continue a partnership with the Hoover Institution, a leading economic policy research center led by former U.S. Secretary of State and Alabama native Condoleeza Rice, which has been analyzing many aspects of the state’s economic development practices and strategies.
(Photo L-R) Dr. Lydia Davenport, Dr. John Prestridge, Dr. Peter Eley, Dr. Takisha Durm, Dr. Salam Khan