New appointment furthers university's economic development efforts

NAU President John Haeger announced the reassignment of Rich Bowen as associate vice president for economic development, a position charged with fostering entrepreneurial partnerships between the university and the business community.

Bowen, who has served as associate vice president for Administration and Finance, will continue to be a member of the President's Cabinet and will become the lead liaison working with key partners such as Drury Southwest, Inc. and the High Country Conference Center at Flagstaff.

"President Haeger has helped NAU become a leader in the university enterprise model, which envisions universities as economic drivers in their regions," Bowen said. "My role will be to continue the work we’ve already begun, and I look forward to expanding that economic development in the state."

He also will work at building relationships with the business community and community entities like the mayor and city manager, Southside Community and the Northern Arizona Builders Association, among others.

Bowen also will assist the university with its expansion of health professions at the downtown Phoenix medical and academic complex and at the university's new north Phoenix facility, along with other special assignments.