Penley Panel

This issue of The Competitive Edge updates the region's economic forecast and underscores the connection between the economy and higher education.

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Economic spillover: Return on investment in higher education benefits individuals, society

Policymakers should consider the broader benefits when determining investments in higher education, in which the social return can exceed the private return.

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Economy slowing, but jobs expected in region

Colorado State economists update the Northern Colorado regional industry forecast.

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Discovery of silent genes could help answer questions about chronic disease, aging

Nearly 12,500 human genes previously dismissed by scientists actually have a role in the body.

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U.S. scientists aim to improve Afghanistan's water use

Grant will help researchers increase the agricultural potential in war-weary Afghanistan.

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Hi-tech remedies for back pain focus of international collaboration

Engineers from two countries are partnering to create intervertebral discs made of biomaterials.

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Higher-ed funding still lags in Colorado

Despite the hard work of state leaders and the Colorado General Assembly, state support for higher education over the last five years continues to be the lowest in the nation, ahead only of Vermont. Colorado remains last nationally in total revenue per FTE student at 77 percent of the average.

Source: State Higher Ed Executive Officers (SHEEO) for FY07 and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Energy synergy

"[W]hat truly sets us apart are our intellectual resources. CSU is leading the way."

—Gov. Bill Ritter at the state Capitol, regarding the announcement of Colorado State University's newest Clean Energy Supercluster, Cenergy

Dividend potential

"Yes, there is teaching and learning, but the potential for universities is especially potent in addressing our most pressing global challenges."

—Colorado State President Larry Edward Penley, to a group of investors in New York City about CSU's innovative Superclusters research and the responsibility of universities to address great global issues

Downside-upside economics

"The U.S. doldrums have certainly taken some wind out of the region's sails. If there was an upside...it is that the regional economy is not as dependent on one particular sector, especially one so vulnerable to globalization."

—Economist Martin Shields, on the regional impact of the nation's economic downturn and the effect of Northern Colorado's diverse economic base on the region's last recession

Energy VP

Ron Sega, who led the Presidential award-winning energy management team for the U.S. Air Force, has been named vice president for Energy, the Environment, and Applied Research at the Colorado State University Research Foundation. Sega also will serve as special advisor on energy and the environment to CSU President Larry Edward Penley as the University prepares to sign the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. Sega's new positions formally recognize Colorado State’s longtime leadership in clean energy research.

Building green

CSU's Institute for the Built Environment and its construction management graduate students are working with Fort Collins-based Stoner Construction to create the first community of entirely net-zero homes in Northern Colorado (designed for net energy-consumption of zero in a typical year). The project team is considering such innovative technologies as shared ground-source heat pump systems and grid-tied solar electric production. Incorporating sustainable development and principles of New Urbanism — planning that incorporates a mix of housing alternatives within pedestrian-friendly communities — the proposed mixed-use development will include single-family homes, multi-unit condos, commercial office space, retail shops, and lodging combined with such neighborhood amenities as a coffee shop, elementary school, community recreation center, restaurant, community garden, and extensive trail system and open-space network.

Eco-friendly dining

Colorado State University recently opened its newest eco-friendly dining facility, the Ram's Horn at the Commons in Academic Village, setting a new standard for the University’s food service operations. The new facility will reduce waste stream up to 70 percent by using 100 percent green electric power and a pulper that grinds organic scraps, paper, and cardboard for composting and re-circulates water removed from the pulp. The pulper can save Colorado State an estimated 120,000 gallons of water a month. The $42 million Academic Village, which opened in fall 2007, integrates classroom and experiential learning within the living-learning complex.