June ’23 DAR Star: Richard Potter

Headshot of Richard Potter with graphics that say "DAR Star"
by Lindsay Tuck Morris

We work with absolutely incredible people—and we all have varied interests and experiences, which adds to the unique makeup of the University of Georgia. We’ll be regularly spotlighting a few rock stars from around the division so that even if you don’t cross paths with them in the break room or Zoom with them on a weekly basis, you can get to know colleagues who can enhance your work life and productivity.

Without further ado, please enjoy our Q&A with Richard Potter …

Name: Richard Potter

Title: Director, Business Engagement & Research Collaboration

  • Companies want to hire UGA graduates, tap into UGA leadership training, license UGA intellectual property, and collaborate with UGA research faculty. The Office of Business Engagement cultivates long-term, holistic partnerships with companies by aligning university resources with business goals to help expand the positive impact of both organizations. In my role, I focus on university-industry research collaborations, which includes developing a toolkit to help faculty engage with companies more efficiently and effectively.
  • What might people not know about your job? Although my work is similar in many ways to major gift fundraising, business engagement requires a unique skillset. A primary difference is maintaining relationships with multiple decision-makers within each corporate partner. Research collaborations between UGA and industry are often at the leading edge of innovation. What’s happening today is laying the foundation for tomorrow! I love hearing faculty describe the research they’re excited about. It’s contagious! Each day is a new opportunity to practice the art of lifelong learning.

Where can we find you?

  • Online: ude.agu@rettop.drahcir
  • On Campus: One Press Place
  • At Home: Kansas City, Missouri

Time in DAR: 1 year as of 18 April 2022

Where did you grow up: Cedar Falls, Iowa

Tell us about your family … My wife and I have been married over 33 years. Our daughter is a high school math teacher, and our son is a Marine Corps veteran who just completed a BA in history from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about … Guitars and music. Electric, acoustic, blues, country, jazz… but most of all rock & roll.

Favorite book: Freakonomics

Lately, I’ve been watching … the PBS remake of All Creatures Great and Small.

A song that really pumps me up is … My Old School by Steely Dan.

Something you might not know about me is … Last summer I got together with my high school bandmates to perform for our 45h high school reunion. More fun than mere mortals should be allowed.

We hope you learned something new about Richard. We are lucky to have him on our DAR team! Feel free to reach out to him if you have questions about business engagement, or if you’d like to talk about music.

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