Dr. Michael Aikens

Dr. Michael Aikens, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Tennessee Tech University, directs the Center for Rural Innovation (TCRI) and chairs the Rural Reimagined Grand Challenge. Under his leadership, TCRI has driven over 1,000 rural projects, supported 1,500 small businesses, retained 800 jobs, and analyzed $2.5 billion in investments. Aikens' rural work spans applied research, technical assistance, small business development, tourism, economic impact analysis, energy, critical infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and more. He hosts the PBS television series "It's Your Business," now in it’s fifth season. He also leads the student Eagle Works Innovation & Entrepreneurship program and supports faculty commercialization initiatives. He holds a PhD and a master’s in leadership and actively gives back to his community through various volunteer initiatives, including serving as a trustee on the Upper Cumberland Broadcast Council, a member of the Tennessee Small Business Development State Advisory Board, and chairing the Caney Fork & Eagle Scout Board of Review.