NCCU lands $19 million for Biomanufacturing Institute - Noteworthy News - Golden LEAF Foundation awards money - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Sept 25, 2003

DURHAM, N.C.

North Carolina Central University and the state's biomanufacturing industry received a $19.1 million boost last month from a nonprofit corporation created as a result of the state's tobacco litigation. The Golden LEAF Foundation, created in 1999 by court order, agreed to award the university the money to construct an institute that would provide researchers and skilled workers for the biomanufacturing industry in North Carolina.

In addition to the $19.1 million for the NCCU Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Enterprise, North Carolina State University will receive $36 million for a Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center and the North Carolina Community College System will receive $9.4 million for its BioNetworks Program.

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley said the foundation's efforts would put the state at the forefront of the biotechnology field. "It will place North Carolina in a prime position to corner the market on high-paying jobs."

Dr. Molly Corbett Broad, president of the University of North Carolina System, commented on the benefit for all students. "While NC Central University and NC State University will play visible lead roles in the initiative, other UNC campuses will be actively engaged as well. Students across the entire university will have new learning and research opportunities that will better prepare them to meet the biotech industry's employment needs."

Nearly 200 students will receive training through bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs that will be created in applied process research. The institute also will support ongoing and developing research programs and interface with existing programs in the state and region.