Almesha Campbell

Jackson State University

Almesha L. Campbell, PhD, RTTP is the Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Director for Technology Transfer and Commercialization.at Jackson State University (JSU). She is an exemplary leader in research, technology transfer, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development and has secured approximately $12M in federal grants and contracts to support these areas. She plays a pivotal role in various federally funded programs such as the U.S. National Science Foundation Mid-South I-Corps Hub, Accelerating Research Translation (NSF ART), and the National Institutes of Health Mid-South REACH Hub, highlighting her commitment to advancing research translation.

Her dedication to diversity and inclusion in innovation is evident through her design and management of national and local programs to broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities in entrepreneurship and innovation. She co-developed the JSU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, fostering creativity and collaboration with access to 3D printing, prototyping, app development, game design, Esports, XR/VR, music, and video production. Initiatives like the JSU Innovation Fellows Program, integrating virtual reality into the STEM curriculum, the Cyber IT micro-credential program, and the Cybersecurity for AI and Data Science certificate showcase her role in shaping the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Campbell’s influence extends beyond the university, marked by her historic appointment as the chair of the AUTM Board of Directors (2023 – 2024), the first black person and the first representative from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to hold this position. She is also a member of esteemed professional organizations like the Licensing Executives Society, the Society of Research Administrators (SRA) International, and the National Academy of Inventors where she is an honorary member.

Almesha’s academic journey, culminating in a doctoral degree in public policy and administration from JSU, exemplifies her dedication to scholarship and practical application in driving innovation for economic impact.