April 19, 2013 – The University of Utah today announced significant changes to technology commercialization activities that will further strengthen efficiency of tech transfer across campus.

Following a comprehensive review of the program, university President David Pershing announced the position of vice president for technology venture development has been eliminated. Units and individuals formerly under that vice president will instead report to Vice President for Research Tom Parks in his capacity as president of the University of Utah Research Foundation.  Student programs will report to the Lassonde Institute.

Two new groups, an Internal Coordinating Council and External Advisory Board, will assist senior university leadership on enhancing policies, processes and opportunities related to technology commercialization and help ensure better coordination between the various groups working in this area.

Glenn Prestwich, presidential professor of medicinal chemistry and leader of the university’s Entrepreneurial Faculty Scholars group, will chair the Internal Coordinating Council. Richard K. Koehn, president and CEO of SentrX Animal Care Inc. and former University of Utah vice president for research, will chair the External Advisory Board.

“These changes are being made to better align current activities with the university’s goals regarding technology commercialization,” Pershing said. “I believe it is essential we establish an effective structure that will provide the support faculty, staff and students deserve while also ensuring that university technologies are being commercialized for the good of the state.”