IPSR Staff


Genna M. Hurd


Research Associate,
Center for Science, Technology & Economic Policy, IPSR

Co-Investigator, KU University Center,
KU Entrepreneurship Works for Kansas

607 Blake Hall
Lawrence, Kansas 66045-3129
Phone: (785) 864-4618
Fax: (785) 864-3683
E-Mail:ghurd@ku.edu

 Photo of Genna Hurd

Genna Hurd has been with the Institute since September of 1988.

M.U.P., Master of Urban Planning, School of Architecture and Urban Design, the University of Kansas, 1983.

B.S.B., Bachelor of Science in Business, with Distinction, Business and Biology, School of Business, the University of Kansas, 1979.

Role and Responsibilities

  • Manages the EDA-funded KU University Center (UC) activities at IPSR, which includes working with the KU Center for Entrepreneurship in the School of Business to develop and enhance the UC, cultivate and maintain economic development liaisons across the university, throughout the state, and with similar programs across the U.S., direct and carry out technical assistance and applied research, and fulfill the administrative duties related to the UC;
  • Co-edits the Kansas Statistical Abstract;
  • Works on IPSR research projects, such as the Evaluation and Assessment of the Kansas NSF EPSCoR (KNE) Program, Study of Technical Education for the Kansas Board of Regents, Evaluation of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Assessment of the Technical Training Needs of the Lawrence Community, and Trends in the Kansas Economy 1985-2006;
  • Conducts economic and demographic research on Kansas and its regions, counties, and communities;
  • Assists with the planning and organization of the annual Kansas Economic Policy Conference;
  • Assists with the management of the Kansas County Profiles and web site for "KU Entre. Works for KS"; and
  • Responds to special requests for research relating to rural community economic development and strategic planning.

Current Areas of Research

  • evaluation and assessment of policy and programs utilizing focus groups, interviews, and surveys, such as the assessment of the science, engineering, and math infrastructure in Kansas and the evaluation of the business development efforts of the Kansas Department of Commerce;
  • demographic and economic statistics on Kansas;
  • trends and indicators of the Kansas economy at the community, county, and state levels,
  • strategic planning in Kansas, particularly community economic development efforts and non-profit organizations; and
  • economic development in Kansas communities, how communities organize, plan, and finance their efforts.

Professional Activities (since 2005, selected)

  • Educational Association of University Centers (EAUC), Interim Board of Directors, Denver Region, 2009-2011; Chair, Bylaws Review Committee, 2010
  • University Economic Development Association (UEDA), Past President, 2008-09; President, 2007-08; President-Elect, 2006-07; Vice-President, 2005-06; Board of Directors, 2004-09; Chair, Annual Summit Planning Committee, 2007; Annual Summit Planning Committee, 2005-09, Chair, 2007; Chair, Nominations Committee, 2009; Co-Chair, Bylaws Review Committee, 2008; and Awards of Excellence Committee, 2009-11
  • KU Center for Sustainability, IPSR Sustainability Ambassador, 2009-present
  • Annual Kansas Economic Policy Conference, presented by the Center for Economic and Business Analysis, IPSR, the University of Kansas, 2005-present
  • Finalists Selection Committee, 8 Wonders of Kansas Commerce, Kansas Sampler Foundation, 2008
  • Kansas Association of Regional Economic Development Organizations (KARDO), non-voting member, representing the KU University Center, 2008-present
  • Kansas Prosperity Summit, invited participant, East Central Region, 2005
  • Wheat State Whirlwind Tour, selected participant, 2005