Linda Bixby, PhD
Dr. Linda Bixby leads efforts to expand and strengthen the university’s strategic partnerships with industry, philanthropies, national laboratories and community partners. Bixby works across the university campus to shape high-impact collaborations, supports the development and execution of strategic agreements and helps advance economic development efforts throughout Arizona. Her leadership enhances the university’s ability to build a future-focused research enterprise that fosters convergence and accelerates real-world solutions across Arizona and beyond.
With more than three decades of leadership experience spanning government, industry, academia and the nonprofit sector, Bixby brings a deep understanding of how to build high-impact partnerships and innovative ecosystems. Before joining the University of Arizona, she served as executive vice president for academic partnerships at the NobleReach Foundation, where she designed and led national programs connecting emerging technologies and talent to critical public missions. Her career reflects a proven record in fostering collaboration across sectors to advance strategic goals and societal benefit.
Bixby has also held senior roles within the intelligence community, federal consulting, higher education and corporate environments—experience that uniquely positions her to navigate the complexities of large-scale research partnerships. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and is an active member of AFCEA International and the National Defense Industrial Association. Bixby also contributes her expertise to an industry advisory board.
She holds a doctorate in history with a focus on anticipatory intelligence and is a proud alumna of the University of Arizona where she completed her undergraduate work. Bixby is a recognized national voice on the convergence of education, government and industry. Her programs have supported more than 5,000 students and faculty in the past year alone—demonstrating her commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers to address society’s most pressing challenges.