UW: Open for Business
Ask the President

Each quarter, this Web page will feature a question that UW President Mark Emmert frequently receives from business and community leaders—and the answer he gives them.

Summer 2008 Question: “What strategic advantage will the new College of the Environment provide our state?”

Answer: At the UW, we are fortunate to have the largest portfolio of environmental intellectual talent of any university in the United States—and quite possibly the world. That means we also have a responsibility and unique opportunity to engage students, faculty, and community partners like you in addressing environmental problems—starting with those in our own region.

Our chief aspiration is to discover timely solutions to the most complex environmental challenges through nontraditional alliances among our faculty and with external stakeholders in business, government, nonprofits, and funding agencies. This will enable the University and alumni of the College of the Environment to become more relevant and visionary contributors to the environmental dialogue and more effective protectors of our planet. Also, as a leader on the global stage, the UW will help position Washington state as a hub for environment-focused talent, giving rise to new technological solutions and new investment in the region.

 

Spring 2008 Question: “As the leader of a large public institution, you must have a lot of demands on your time. How do you decide whether to accept or decline a request or invitation?”

Answer: There are a lot of interests and people to serve and be responsive to in my job: students, their parents, faculty and staff, alumni and donors, and, of course, public officials, business leaders, K–12 leadership, community colleges … I'm probably leaving out someone important. I try to be as accessible as reasonably possible.

However, as you rightly point out, there are more invitations and requests than I can manage. So my staff and I try to base our scheduling decisions primarily on two criteria: Does it serve the citizens of our state? And, will it further the interests of the University and our students? Those are the most important considerations, given the reality that I just can't be everywhere I'd like to be.

 

Winter 2007 Question: “How will The Foster Foundation's recent gift to the UW Business School affect your long-term vision for providing quality resources to the business community?”

Answer: Competition among major business schools is at an all-time high, so this gift is especially well timed to help us compete with the best. Also, naming the school for Northwest business leader Michael G. Foster raises our profile and helps us more clearly define who we are and what we offer the business community. More specifically, the gift will help the school:

• Create new endowed faculty positions and scholarships that will bring more thought leaders to our state.
• Fund new initiatives, including a center for leadership research and development.
• Further leverage the school's new building complex, which will include undergraduate and MBA career centers, extensive meeting facilities, and the latest technology.

The future of our business school has never been brighter. For more on the impact of the Foster gift, read the school's Vision for the Future.

 

Fall 2007 Question: “Would you please tell us more about yourself and your goals for the UW?”

Answer: Thank you for this opportunity to provide a virtual introduction to all of you because, unfortunately, I simply can’t meet as many of you in person as I’d like to.

Since space is at a premium here, I’ll be brief: I am a straight-shooter who has immense pride in the UW (my alma mater). I am dedicated to building strong, lasting relationships with our state’s business community, and committed to increasing the value, impact, and reputation of the University both locally and globally.

To learn more about me and my thoughts, values, and plans for the UW:

• View my Office Hours video series
• Visit the Open for Business Web page each quarter
• Visit my Web site

 

Summer 2007 Question: "How can my business partner with the UW?"

Answer: There are many options—and more to come in the future.

Across the University:

• License UW technologies
• Start a company with UW technology
• Hire a UW consultant
• Mentor and hire UW students

At the UW Business School:

• Participate in a CFO Forum
• Form a strategic partnership
• Judge student business plans
• Join an advisory board

Spring 2007 Question: "How can I find a UW expert to help me achieve my business goals?"

Answer: We employ more than 3,600 faculty in 17 schools and colleges on three campuses who can help you. You can use this list of directories and centers to find the right person.