New Leader for OSU’s Technology and Economic Development Arm
Monday, August 17, 2020
Oklahoma State University recently named Zachary Miles as senior associate vice president for Technology and Economic Development. He will begin that role Sept. 30.
“We are confident that Zach is the right person to lead our technology and economic development efforts into a new and brighter era at OSU,” said Kenneth Sewell, vice president for research and president of the OSU Research Foundation. “In his prior roles, Zach has proven he can bring together all of the complex pieces of the puzzle and generate true economic impact.”
Miles holds a Bachelor of Science from Weber State University and a law degree from the University of New Hampshire. He and his wife, Carrie, plan to move to the Stillwater area with their two children.
Before joining OSU, Miles served as the associate vice president for economic development at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he oversaw technology transfer, commercial collaborations, UNLV’s Small Business Development Center and was executive director of UNLV’s Research Foundation.
As OSU’s senior associate vice president for technology and economic development, Miles will direct OSURF and the Technology Development Center and serve as a primary touchpoint for OSU’s relationship with the corporate community.
"I look forward to moving ideas from OSU into life-changing products and services and providing students with real-world opportunities with companies and entrepreneurial endeavors,” Miles said. “Economic development drives increased impacts between OSU and the community — increasing the overall well-being and success for students, researchers and community members."
While at UNLV’s Office of Economic Development Miles pushed the metrics to their highest levels in the university’s history and fostered new programs, facilities and collaborations resulting in life changing impacts for students, faculty and the community at large.
He is looking to do the same at OSU.
“Economic development activities specifically benefit OSU and the greater Oklahoma community through creating a diversified economy that offers high-paying job opportunities for students and citizens, increases the overall research and development expenditures of OSU and translation of ideas into life-changing products and services available to the community,” Miles said.
"I am very excited to join the team at Oklahoma State University and build upon the great work that has been accomplished,” Miles said. "There is such a great opportunity to accelerate mutually beneficial engagements with industry collaborators and increase economic development and diversification.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Harrison Hill | Research Communication Specialist | 405-744-5827 | harrison.c.hill@okstate.edu