MANHATTAN—Lisa Freeman, associate dean of research and graduate programs at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named associate vice president of innovation by the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, Inc., board of directors.
MANHATTAN—Lisa Freeman, associate dean of research and graduate programs at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named associate vice president of innovation by the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, Inc., board of directors.
In her new role, Freeman will build public and private partnerships to benefit the Olathe campus and will act as a liaison between it and programs on the Manhattan campus impacted by those new relationships. She also will encourage an entrepreneurial culture on the Olathe campus and will facilitate the transition of research and ideas from the lab to the commercial marketplace.
“We are very fortunate to have attracted someone of Lisa Freeman’s caliber to help lead the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus,” said Dan Richardson, CEO of the Olathe campus. “Her experience working with both the public and private sector interests will be critical to the success of the campus. Her professional expertise and track record are a perfect match for the vision and mission of the campus.”
Freeman joined K-State’s department of anatomy and physiology in 1994, where she taught pharmacology. Since then, she has served as a research mentor and role model for postdoctoral students, clinical residents and young faculty members. In 2001 she was named director of mentored training and in 2005 became associate dean for research and graduate programs.
“Lisa has more than proven herself as a professor, mentor, researcher and administrator in the past 14 years with the College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Ron Trewyn, K-State vice president for research and chair of the Olathe campus board.
Freeman said she is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“The Olathe innovation campus will serve as a bridge between K-State’s Manhattan campus and the academic and industrial resources in the greater Kansas City area,” she said. “I am looking forward to creating new programs for pre-college outreach, graduate education and professional development focused in the areas of animal health and food safety.”
Freeman will retain some of her prior responsibilities as an associate dean in the College of Veterinary Medicine, including supporting the research efforts of faculty and trainees and advancing the commercialization of intellectual property through interactions with the industry, government and commodity groups focused on innovation in animal health. In addition, Freeman also will help facilitate research programs at K-State’s BRI—Biosecurity Research Institute—which will include coordinating infectious disease research initiatives with other institutions.
Posted by: Steve Toburen
Posted Date: Mar 6 2008