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�������� (C-SC) has been awarded the s 2023 Engaged University Award of Excellence for the college’s Tri-State Development������Dz�������.

C-SC’s Tri-State Development program, which supports the region through cultivating collaborative relationships, promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving, and fostering initiatives between academic, organizational, and industrial entities, was awarded the honor during the UEDA Summit, Innovating for a Sustainable Future, held Oct. 8-10 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The program was a finalist for the award along with the University of Texas at Dallas and Virginia Tech University.

“It is a great honor for �������� to be named the winner of the prestigious Engaged University Award of Excellence for the work that we are doing through the Tri-State Development program,” said Leslie Sieck, executive director of the Tri-State Development and vice president for economic and workforce development at C-SC. “We are proud to have leaders from higher education institutions across the country validate our efforts and recognize the impact we are making.”

UEDA, which was established in 1976, works to bring together higher learning institutions, nonprofits, business leaders, government organizations, and community economic groups to enhance economic opportunity in both a local and regional capacity.

C-SC’s Tri-State Development program seeks to develop an environment for collective impact to help build a thriving economy and workforce throughout Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa, and Western Illinois. The finalist that best represents initiatives that drive regional academic, organizational, community, and industrial success is chosen by the UEDA following a six-month competitive process that includes a detailed application, peer reviews, and presentations.

“This award is a symbol of our commitment to being a true partner in the communities we serve, and we will continue to support and invest in the programs, projects, and people of the tri-state region,” Sieck said.

Photo (left to right): UEDA President Dominique Halaby, Associate Provost Georgia Southern University; Leslie Sieck, Vice President for Economic & Workforce Development at ��������; UEDA Board Member Jenny Mizutowicz, Director of Economic Development City of Richardson, Texas.