Abstract: Beyond the development of innovative products, university systems should foster innovative research methods tied to studying or improving human performance in myriad fields such as dance and kinesiology, music, learning, gaming and other areas. The capture of motion, specific human or digital agent actions for improvement through feedback, and product usability and experience (UX) are captured through the research emerging from the university. In this new model, we would employ a blend of existing pedagogical models using: a. behaviorist-based direct instruction at the lower levels for basic knowledge and skill acquisition b. inquiry or scientific-method based methods, c. problem- and/or project-based methods, and d. a multi-level cognitive apprenticeship. Collectively we will refer to this as performance-based learning. This model takes an initial focus on what we want learners to be able to perform after an educational experience concludes, with a selection of operationalizing pedagogical approaches chosen strategically to support these outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to offer a model of university that fosters innovation and external partnerships, with student and faculty performance supported by the new structure.