Colorado State University’s Office of Engagement has announced that Professor Dawn Thilmany will be serving joint roles as both the associate director for engaged research in the Office of Community and Economic Development and professor in CSU’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. She also remains in her role as associate director of the Regional Economic Development Institute.
Enhancing CSU’s value statewide
Thilmany’s experience conducting stakeholder-focused research and engagement and the leadership she has provided in this area will allow her to further enhance CSU’s value to Colorado community and commodity leaders. In this new role, she will be elevating CSU’s influence and level of engagement with state agencies, industry and policymakers and increase the university’s success in securing cooperative agreements, competitive grants and high-quality research publications in areas of rural, regional and community economic development. Her initial projects span a wide array of topics from the on-demand economy to rural wealth creation to the Colorado Hemp Advancement and Management Plan (CHAMP) to the factors driving food manufacturing entrepreneurs across the country.
Integrating research and Extension
Thilmany is currently collaborating on a number of new initiatives and programs, including developing data, mapping and research toolkits that enhance the Office of Community and Economic Development, the Regional Economic Development Institute and the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Her work will provide efficient and effective technical assistance, professional development and applied research to a wider array of stakeholders. To help integrate CSU’s research and Extension expertise, she will be focused on connecting research leaders across the institution to mentor, support and grow engaged researchers on campus.
Thilmany will hold a split appointment with the Office of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and continue her role as associate director of the Regional Economic Development Institute. In addition, she will continue to participate and support the Community Development and Food Systems Planning and Reporting Units within CSU Extension, and serve as CSU’s representative to the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council (COFSAC).
