BSU Joins OrthoWorx University | Industry Advisory Board
OrthoWorx announced today that Ball State University has joined the OrthoWorx University | Industry Advisory Board, which was recently formed to better connect the technology and talent needs of Indiana’s orthopedic medical device industry with the assets and capabilities represented by Indiana’s higher education institutions.
“Ball State has a great many strengths that could be of considerable benefit to the orthopedic industry if both parties understood each other’s capabilities and needs more fully,” said Sheryl Conley, president and CEO of OrthoWorx. “As a Ball State alumnus and former industry executive, I know there is the potential for a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities for students in many academic disciplines at Ball State. The university also has attributes such as its health economics department, its Human Performance Laboratory and its digital media capabilities that are among several areas where productive collaborations are possible.”
“We look forward to the partnership, which will benefit students, faculty and Hoosiers,” said Terry King, interim president of Ball State University. “Students from many programs are preparing to address the needs of the orthopedic industry. Immersive learning prepares them to understand and solve complex problems quickly. Our faculty also look forward to new collaborations on research and longer-term projects that benefit this important part of Indiana’s economy. We have a lot to learn from each other.”
OrthoWorx recently hosted the UIAB Members Conference, which had more than 160 participants, with a good balance between university and industry members. Councils have been formed to focus on key topic areas: HR (experiential learning and recruiting), Education, R&D, and Advanced Manufacturing.
The Indiana medical device industry is the largest component of the overall life sciences economy in Indiana. OrthoWorx was formed in 2009 to improve the environment for success for an industry cluster based in Warsaw, Indiana that accounts for approximately 13,000 direct and indirect jobs, and contributes more than $3 billion in value annually to the Indiana economy.
In addition to Ball State, the following institutions are also members of the University | Industry Advisory Board: Grace College (a founding OrthoWorx member), Indiana University, IPFW, Ivy Tech Community College, Manchester University, Purdue University, Trine University and University of Notre Dame.
Discussions regarding membership are underway with Indiana Tech, Rose-Hulman University and Valparaiso University.