Economic Development Director completes institute training
Darlington County Economic Development Director Stephanie Shaw.
Stephanie Shaw, Director of Economic Development for Darlington County, has successfully completed the rigorous OU Economic Development Institute (OU EDI), graduating during the Spring 2026 session held April 23 in New Orleans.
Shaw’s accomplishment represents a significant professional milestone and brings added expertise back to Darlington County, strengthening ongoing efforts to attract industry, support local businesses, and enhance economic growth across the region.
OU EDI, a program of the University of Oklahoma, is a nationally recognized 117-hour certificate program designed to provide comprehensive, advanced training for economic development professionals. Participants complete intensive coursework covering a wide spectrum of topics critical to modern economic development, including strategic planning, business retention and expansion, workforce development, and community competitiveness.
“OU Economic Development Institute is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals,” said Courtney Dunbar, CEcD and past dean for OU EDI. “These graduates have invested in improving their professional capabilities to support their local communities. Congratulations to all.”
Founded in 1962, OU EDI is now celebrating 63 years of service and remains one of the most respected training programs in the field. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council, the institute has trained more than 6,000 professionals worldwide and is widely regarded as a global leader in economic development education.
Students in the program typically complete their certification over one to two years through a combination of in-person and online sessions. In addition to classroom instruction, participants benefit from mentorship opportunities and networking with peers from across the country, creating lasting professional connections and collaborative opportunities.
For Darlington County, Shaw’s graduation brings immediate value. Her enhanced training equips her with updated tools and strategies to navigate today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape—knowledge that can directly impact local job creation, business recruitment, and long-term planning initiatives.
For more information about the OU Economic Development Institute and its programs, interested individuals may contact the institute at 405-325-3136 or via email at edi@ou.edu.