FSU Launches CREED - Center for Regional Engagement and Economic Development

Mar 19, 2019 12:00 AM

By Robert Spahr ’13

Businesses, nonprofits and local governments in the tri-state area have a straightforward new way to access business expertise at Frostburg State University: the College of Business’ new Center for Regional Engagement and Economic Development (CREED).

“Expanding our outreach and engagement into the surrounding region has been a key goal for FSU. CREED is an important step toward that goal.” said Al Delia, vice president for Regional Development and Engagement at FSU. “Business, nonprofit and government organizations throughout the region now have a clear conduit to work directly with our distinguished College of Business faculty. The relationships that develop through CREED will help our regional economy grow to new heights.”

The College of Business’ external consulting arm, CREED is committed to partnering with organizations in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. By partnering through CREED, organizations can access faculty expertise in information management, skills training, leadership training, management development training, research and consulting services and more.

“We have so much to offer, and the community has needs that many times go unmet,” said Dr. Amit Shah, who has been named director of CREED. “As one of the largest players in the community, if we are able to meet the needs of businesses and help them do better, then our purpose is well-served.”

Shah serves as the contact person for interested organizations. He will work to determine an organization’s specific needs, assess the college’s capacity to meet those needs and develop mutually agreeable partnerships. Shah will also reach out to promote CREED.

The partnerships built through CREED will connect organizations with faculty who understand the nuances of their region. Each of those partnerships will be unique, developing based on an organization’s individual needs.

“CREED is really an embodiment of the college’s vision of how we connect with our community and how we respond to our regional community’s needs,” explained Dr. Sudhir Singh, dean of the College of Business. “In a sense, that’s what we’re here for: ‘How are we extending our expertise to benefit our community?’ CREED will do exactly that.”

You can learn more about the Center for Regional Engagement and Economic Development online. To inquire about partnering with CREED, contact Dr. Amit Shah at ashah@frostburg.edu or 301-687-4408.