TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Following the announcement of Kent Glasscock’s retirement, Kansas State University has named a new president and CEO of Innovation Partners.
Kansas State University announced Wednesday that, following an internal search, it has named Rebecca Robinson as the next president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners through its board of directors. She will replace Glasscock, who announced her retirement last week after 20 years of university service.
As an integral member of Innovation Partners for 14 years, K-State said Robinson has shown a commitment to building industry partnerships and spearheading university-based economic development in the region and beyond.
“Rebecca is exactly the talented, visionary and exciting leader who will make Innovation Partners even more effective in advancing Kansas State University’s mission as it defines itself as a next-generation land-grant university,” said Kent Glasscock, president outgoing of Innovation Partners and CEO. “Her skills and professionalism, along with her knowledge of the university, community and state, will enable Rebecca and her team to be instrumental as K-State serves the state and its people. Basically, she’s a passionate innovator with a love of K-State and her mission.”
Prior to accepting the role, the university indicated that Robinson served on the organization’s leadership team as chief corporate engagement and economic development officer. She has led strategic industry partnerships and directed economic development initiatives to achieve the goals and objectives of university and community partners, including strategy, development, budgeting, marketing, and aligning university and community strategies.
In partnership with the community and university, K-State said Robinson has led the recruiting of 27 technology companies in the region, creating more than 1,100 new high-wage jobs and a projected economic impact of more than $1 billion.
“Rebecca has provided vision, leadership and oversight for multiple successful business engagement and economic development strategies,” said David Rosowsky, vice president for research and chairman of the board of Innovation Partners. “Throughout her career both at Innovation Partners and on the national stage as a recognized leader in her field, Rebecca has amassed a broad and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for corporate relationships and university-industry partnerships . I look forward to working with her as the next CEO of Innovation Partners as she brings new vision and leadership to advance economic development, technology transfer and commercialization, and corporate engagement at K-State.”
K-State noted that Robinson has been recognized internationally for her efforts in business engagement and economic development. She has received invitations to speak at numerous national conferences and award ceremonies. She currently serves as the former president of the university’s Economic Development Association.
“I am truly honored to serve as the next president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners,” said Robinson. “Like many of my colleagues, I have been privileged to be a part of the organization since I was an intern and have seen firsthand the incredible talent, dedication and passion of our team as they have built a solid foundation of success. As we enter this next chapter, I look forward to working with the team and our partners to take the organization to new heights.”
The University indicated that Robinson earned his master’s degree in business and administration and a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Spanish, and leadership studies from K-State. She is currently a PhD student in leadership communication at the school.
