Jan Sobolik has been named associate director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park. She will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Technology Incubator and NDSU Innovation Studio.
Sobolik has been with the organization for 20 years, most recently serving as operations manager. Previous park executive director Brian Kalk recently accepted a new role at the University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center.
The Research and Technology Park is dedicated to enhancing the investments in NDSU by the citizens of North Dakota. Through partnerships with international, national and regional centers of excellence, as well as high technology-based businesses and the NDSU research community, the park helps develop technology-based businesses and broaden the economic base of North Dakota. The park is a 501c(3) non-profit corporation and an equal opportunity provider and employer.
“We are pleased to have Jan serve in the interim, bringing valued stability and institutional knowledge with Brian’s departure,” said Colleen Fitzgerald, vice president of research and creative activity for NDSU and the board’s chief operating officer. “The Board of the NDSU Research and Technology Park is taking a deliberate approach to visioning the future of the park as a key preliminary step to hiring the next executive director. Jan’s service in this capacity will enable the board to develop a forward-looking vision for our university research park, appropriate with NDSU’s recent designation as a Carnegie R1 doctoral university with very high research activity.”
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.