AAMU to Host 2025 UEDA International Conference, a First for HBCUs

Orok Becomes First Black Woman to Chair UEDA, Leading Historic HBCU Representation
The University Economic Development Association (UEDA) has elected Dr. Teresa Merriweather Orok as its President, effective January 1, 2025. This historic appointment makes her the first Black woman and the first representative from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to lead the nearly 50-year-old organization.
“Dr. Teresa Merriweather Orok’s election as UEDA Board President marks a significant milestone for the organization and the field of economic development,” said Dr. Kenneth E. Poole, UEDA Executive Director. “With over 30 years of experience in economic development and innovation, Dr. Orok brings a powerful voice and deep expertise to this role. As the first Board President from an HBCU, her leadership underscores the vital contributions of historically Black colleges and universities to regional and national economic progress, and it reinforces UEDA’s commitment to expanding higher education’s role in creating economic opportunity for all.”
UEDA serves as the foremost association for higher education professionals dedicated
to fostering talent, driving innovation, and enhancing economic and community development
through university-industry partnerships.
An accomplished expert in economic and business innovation, Orok brings over 35 years
of experience spanning grants management, economic development, government partnerships,
and higher education administration. She currently serves as the inaugural Director
of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development (CEIED) at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), where she has played a pivotal role in
advancing economic opportunities.
Her election as UEDA President is not only a personal milestone – it signals a new era of inclusive, future-focused leadership for the national organization. A longtime advocate for historically underrepresented communities, Orok brings a visionary agenda that emphasizes student-centered workforce development, strategic partnerships, and a bold reimagination of UEDA’s national and global role.
Beyond traditional economic development, Orok is deeply committed to preparing all
students – including HBCU students and other underrepresented learners – for the demands
of a rapidly evolving workforce by integrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and applied
learning into the fabric of higher education.
“I am humbled to serve during this pivotal time,” she noted. “This moment is not just
about representation – it’s about transformation. We must ensure all institutions
have the opportunity to shape economic futures, especially those that serve underrepresented
students and communities.”
Her rise to UEDA’s top leadership position follows years of dedicated service. Orok
began as an at-large board member, leading a nationally recognized U.S. Department
of Commerce-funded initiative focused on engaging underserved communities – including
HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and Asian Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions – in regional
economic ecosystems.
“My vision is to sharpen UEDA’s identity as the premier connector between higher education
and economic growth,” she added. “We must increase our geographic footprint, grow
our membership to reflect the full diversity of American higher education, and partner
more intentionally with industry, government, and community-based practitioners. These
efforts will help inform cutting-edge trends, elevate research and policy, and align
higher education with real-world impact.”
In another milestone, Alabama A&M University will co-host the 2025 UEDA Annual Summit in Huntsville, Alabama, from October 6–8, 2025. This marks the first time an HBCU
will host the national summit, shining a spotlight on Alabama A&M University’s leadership
and the economic vitality of North Alabama.
“This is our moment to show the nation who we are,” Orok said. “The summit will showcase AAMU’s role as an anchor institution and a driver of innovation and workforce transformation.”
The summit will feature high-impact sessions on artificial intelligence, advanced
manufacturing, defense innovation, and inclusive entrepreneurship – connecting academic
leaders, corporate executives, policymakers, and students. Orok is also securing major
sponsors to support student scholarships and engagement in the summit. “The future
of economic development must include student voices. We are creating a space where
tomorrow’s leaders can learn, connect, and lead,” she added.
A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Orok holds degrees from Lane College (B.A.), Georgia
State University (Urban Studies & Policy), Atlanta University (Master of Public Administration)
and a Ph.D. from Union Institute and University (Public Administration and Community
& Economic Development). She earned a certificate from the Harvard Education Leadership
Program and is a Fellow of the Appalachian Regional Commission – Appalachian Leadership Institute. Over nearly two decades at Alabama A&M University, she has served in multiple executive
roles, including Vice President for Research, managing grants, contracts, and industry
partnerships.
For more details on the UEDA Summit and sponsorship opportunities, visit UEDA Summit 2025.