Melvin P. Garber
University of Georgia
Director, Archway Partnership
Biographical Abstracts
Mel Garber spent 28 years in university and 13 years in private industry in teaching, research, extension, technology transfer, and university-community engagement. He was a teacher, researcher, extension specialist, business manager, research manager, and university administrator. His accomplishments include best referred research paper in his field, nationally recognized Extension program, only person in a Fortune 500 company to take a new business development project from stage I (concept) to stage 4 (commercialization).
His combination of university and industry experience led to the conceptualization and establishment of the nationally recognized Archway Partnership. He articulated a unique role that universities can serve as a neutral third-party facilitator to bring community leaders together to identify cross-community priorities and implement solutions to enhance economic prosperity. The work was accomplished while also meeting the needs of universities to train students and enhance research application and grant acquisition. The sustainability was ensured through shared financial commitment from communities and the University System of Georgia.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable environments
- Collaboration development
- Technology transfer