Leadership in Higher Education and Economic Development
Dr. Marie Foster-Bruns is an academic-industry architect and higher education strategist specializing in research growth, workforce alignment, and regional economic impact. With an Ed.D. and an MBA, she combines scholarly research and executive leadership experience to design the institutional structures that enable durable collaboration between universities, industry, and economic development partners.
Drawing on years of leadership in advancement, cross-sector partnership development, and institutional strategy, Marie focuses on how colleges, emerging research institutions, community college systems, and academic units can align internal governance, faculty engagement, and external economic priorities to expand research capacity and accelerate industry-responsive pathways. She regularly shares ideas and observations in the CERIS Knowledge Hub.
About Marie.
Research
Higher education institutions vary in structure, capacity, and incentive systems, and those differences shape their ability to build sustainable industry partnerships. Emerging research institutions and smaller colleges often operate without centralized coordination for external engagement, while faculty face constraints related to bandwidth, silos, and tenure priorities. At the same time, regional economic strategies and emerging industries are seeking more alignment between research activity, workforce systems, and industry R&D needs.
Dr. Foster-Bruns works at this intersection. She assesses institutional readiness alongside external sector priorities to identify alignment opportunities, capacity gaps, and strategic focus areas. Rather than concentrating solely on forming new partnerships, she strengthens the institutional infrastructure and engagement pathways that allow collaboration to scale and endure.
As Principal Investigator of an NSF GRANTED planning grant, she led the development of a centralized partnership hub at an Emerging Research Institution to examine readiness for sustained cross-sector engagement. Through her independent research, Dr. Foster-Bruns developed a practical roadmap for strengthening triple helix alignment in institutions seeking to expand research participation, build industry-responsive pathways, and increase their contribution to regional economic growth.
These insights now anchor the work of CERIS, where research and executive experience translate into structured, actionable strategies for institutions and regional partners.
Experience
Professional Background
Educational Researcher
Leadership in Education Practices
Developed educational best practices to grow research at Emerging Research Institutions, focusing on implementing innovative strategies, driving collaborative decision-making, and enhancing Triple Helix partnerships.
Collaborator
Professional Networks
Dedicated to building strong partnerships that drive impactful initiatives. By connecting universities, economic development organizations, and government entities, Marie nurtures an environment where diverse ideas and expertise can flourish.
Economic Development Leadership
Strategic Planning
Utilized strategic planning techniques as an advisor and executive to drive catalytic economic development and derive valuable insights for informed decision-making processes.
Educational Leader
Higher education
Seasoned data-driven advancement and external affairs executive leader dedicated to fostering transformative change. Dr. Foster-Bruns thrives on being a catalyst for building momentum, leveraging analytics to drive initiatives that enhance student success and institutional growth.
Community Engagement
Public Speaking & Convener
Engage in public speaking and community outreach as the former President & CEO of a community development nonprofit organization, board member, and higher education executive, communicating ideas and findings to diverse audiences.
Principal Investigator
National Science Foundation
Grow research opportunities through Triple Helix partnerships at Emerging Research Institutions. Through innovative methodologies and collaboration, Marie empowers communities in research settings, ultimately advancing educational and economic outcomes.
Education
Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation
Masters of Business Administration
Bachelor's of Arts in Education
Key Achievements
Recognitions & Awards
Top 20 Under 40, BusINess Magazine
Influential Women of Northwest Indiana, Finalist
Recognized for leadership and contributions to regional growth and economic development.
Featured in educational research initiatives and conferences, showcasing dedication to excellence and knowledge sharing.
Presenter
University Economic Development Association
TechConnect World Conference
Assessment Institute in Indianapolis
CASE District V Conference
Marie is passionate about her research and sharing it with others in the field. By presenting at various conferences focused on Emerging Research Institutions and best practices in higher education, she fosters connections among students, faculty, industry, and government stakeholders.
Recognized for collaborative teamwork and knowledge sharing within professional communities, driving progress and advancements.
