*'''Mission: '''Effort to put priority on interdisciplinary research and teaching. Need to reinforce training programs and establish strong and deep partnerships mimicking those created at Oregon.
*'''Leaders: '''UO-led, five-campus Oregon African Studies Consortium: Oregon State University, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland State University, Willamette University and partner with Gabonese Government to fulfill its vision of turning the country into a laboratory for a new model of development for Africa.
= '''Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts''' =