Associate Vice Chancellor
Partnerships & Economic Development

Biography

Marc Gibson is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Director of the Division of Partnerships and Economic Development (DPED). He leads a team that oversees university-wide strategy for engaging with industry, government, and non-profit partners. Marc’s success in this role results from his extensive industry and community connections in East Tennessee and his understanding of how to align diverse and sometimes competing stakeholder interests and perspectives to work towards a shared goal for the benefit of all. DPED supports inclusive economic development and impacts through knowledge and technology transfer to industry and community partners, small business incubation and support, and the development of place-based innovation initiatives that expand economic opportunities for Tennessee businesses, communities, and individuals. Working closely with the UT Research Foundation, the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, and other key organizations, DPED assists with the formation and expansion of strategic partnerships between UT and external partners whose interests align with the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and its impact in the community. Finally, DPED helps catalyze competitive proposal opportunities with external sponsors (government agencies, industry, non-profit organizations, and individuals) to expand the university’s knowledge enterprise. Marc serves as a board member on the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC) and has held previous appointments for leading organizations such as the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP), the Network for Academic Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO), TennSMART, as well as multiple industry advisory positions including the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), The Shull Wollan Center for Neutron Sciences, and the Transportation Research Center at UT.