The University Economic Development Association (UEDA) has elected Dr. Teresa Merriweather Orok as its President, effective January 1, 2025. This historic appointment makes her the first Black woman and the first representative from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to lead the nearly 50-year-old organization.
“Dr. Teresa Merriweather Orok’s election as UEDA Board President marks a significant milestone for the organization and the field of economic development,” said Dr. Kenneth E. Poole, UEDA Executive Director. “With over 30 years of experience in economic development and innovation, Dr. Orok brings a powerful voice and deep expertise to this role. As the first Board President from an HBCU, her leadership underscores the vital contributions of historically Black colleges and universities to regional and national economic progress, and it reinforces UEDA’s commitment to expanding higher education’s role in creating economic opportunity for all.”
UEDA serves as the foremost association for higher education professionals dedicated to fostering talent, driving innovation, and enhancing economic and community development through university-industry partnerships.
An accomplished expert in economic and business innovation, Orok brings over 35 years of experience spanning grants management, economic development, government partnerships, and higher education administration. She currently serves as the inaugural Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development (CEIED) at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), where she has played a pivotal role in advancing economic opportunities.
Her election as UEDA President is not only a personal milestone – it signals a new era of inclusive, future-focused leadership for the national organization. A longtime advocate for historically underrepresented communities, Orok brings a visionary agenda that emphasizes student-centered workforce development, strategic partnerships, and a bold reimagination of UEDA’s national and global role.
Beyond traditional economic development, Orok is deeply committed to preparing all students – including HBCU students and other underrepresented learners – for the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce by integrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and applied learning into the fabric of higher education.
“I am humbled to serve during this pivotal time,” she noted. “This moment is not just about representation – it’s about transformation. We must ensure all institutions have the opportunity to shape economic futures, especially those that serve underrepresented students and communities.”
Her rise to UEDA’s top leadership position follows years of dedicated service. Orok began as an at-large board member, leading a nationally recognized U.S. Department of Commerce-funded initiative focused on engaging underserved communities – including HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and Asian Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions – in regional economic ecosystems.
“My vision is to sharpen UEDA’s identity as the premier connector between higher education and economic growth,” she added. “We must increase our geographic footprint, grow our membership to reflect the full diversity of American higher education, and partner more intentionally with industry, government, and community-based practitioners. These efforts will help inform cutting-edge trends, elevate research and policy, and align higher education with real-world impact.”
In another milestone, Alabama A&M University will co-host the 2025 UEDA Annual Summit in Huntsville, Alabama, from October 6–8, 2025. This marks the first time an HBCU will host the national summit, shining a spotlight on Alabama A&M University’s leadership and the economic vitality of North Alabama.
“This is our moment to show the nation who we are,” Orok said. “The summit will showcase AAMU’s role as an anchor institution and a driver of innovation and workforce transformation.”
The summit will feature high-impact sessions on artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, defense innovation, and inclusive entrepreneurship – connecting academic leaders, corporate executives, policymakers, and students. Orok is also securing major sponsors to support student scholarships and engagement in the summit. “The future of economic development must include student voices. We are creating a space where tomorrow’s leaders can learn, connect, and lead,” she added.
A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Orok holds degrees from Lane College (B.A.), Georgia State University (Urban Studies & Policy), and Atlanta University (Master of Public Administration). She earned a certificate from the Harvard Education Leadership Program and is a Fellow of the Appalachian Regional Commission – Appalachian Leadership Institute. Over nearly two decades at Alabama A&M University, she has served in multiple executive roles, including Vice President for Research, managing grants, contracts, and industry partnerships.