Jax State's Center for Economic Development and Business Research Is Fueling Northeast Alabama's Progress

by Josh Underwood

Jacksonville, AL (11/05/2024) — Jacksonville State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research, led by director Jennifer Green, plays a vital role in shaping economic progress and supporting communities across northeast and east central Alabama. Green has served as the center's director for more than nine years, contributing nearly 15 years of dedication to its mission. The center serves Jax State and a vast 15-county area-covering Calhoun, Chambers, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, St. Clair, Cleburne, Cherokee, Blount, Etowah, Marshall, DeKalb, and Jackson-as well as the entire state of Alabama.

The center provides various services, from data analysis and market research to development planning. It helps communities and agencies within its coverage area grow and thrive by offering guidance and support for economic initiatives. This includes working closely with local governments and economic development entities to drive forward-thinking, collaborative efforts.

The center's focus is not limited to regional and statewide economic development; it also provides significant opportunities for Jacksonville State University students. "We have two graduate research assistants that work for us," Green shares. "We give students economic development and experiential learning opportunities. We're not just about outreach; we fold everything back into benefiting students. Helping students is important to our mission and aligns with our AACSB accreditation." By offering these opportunities, the center enables students to gain hands-on experience in economic development, applying their academic knowledge in real-world contexts. This experience makes them more workforce-ready upon graduation and gives them unique insights into the economic workings of the region.

In addition to supporting students, the center offers valuable resources to faculty, particularly in research and grant applications. According to Green, "One big thing is that we have access to a lot of demographic data. If faculty are applying for grants in this region, they can contact us, and chances are, we can pull that data quickly. We have access to a lot of data, so we can leverage our assets within the university. It might save them a lot of time because they aren't in it all day, every day. Working in the 15 counties, we are aware of industry opportunities that faculty may not know about." The center plays a vital role in advancing Jacksonville State's mission to foster educational excellence and regional progress by serving as a bridge between academic research and practical economic development efforts.

Green's involvement with the Association for University Business and Economic Research (AUBER) board ensures that Jacksonville State University has a voice in national economic research discussions.

For more information about the center's initiatives and offerings, visit Jax State's Center for Economic Development and Business Research.

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