The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities is proud to announce its 2020/22 executive committee. Elections were held virtually on October 27, 2020 during the CUMU president’s council meeting. Members of the executive committee are presidents and chancellors of CUMU member institutions and are elected to serve two-year terms in their respective positions.

“CUMU relies on and is the beneficiary of the strong leadership of presidents and chancellors who lead CUMU member institutions. I look forward to working with the new and returning executive committee members to advance the CUMU mission and to strengthen our urban and metropolitan communities,” said Bobbie Laur, executive director, CUMU.

The executive committee members are nominated and elected by peers from CUMU member institutions. Each has demonstrated their commitment to the CUMU mission of promoting and enhancing urban and metropolitan universities. The newest president and vice president/treasurer appointees, both first-generation college graduates, are distinguished for their dedication to building relationships between their institutions and communities through civic engagement, economic development, and public policy objectives.

William Covino elected as president

William (Bill) Covino, president, Cal State LA, was elected as president of the executive committee. Covino has served as CUMU’s vice president/treasurer since his election to that position in 2018.

“I’m honored to now serve as president of CUMU,” Covino said. “Relationships are at the heart of CUMU’s work. By fostering and strengthening relationships with communities across the nation, we increase our capacity to be a part of positive change. I look forward to continuing the collaboration that is the hallmark of CUMU.”

Covino became the seventh president of Cal State LA in September 2013. As a first-generation university graduate, he is deeply committed to providing opportunities for students to achieve personal, academic, and professional success and prepare them to transform the future and improve the quality of life in Los Angeles and beyond.

Covino established the Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good to lead programs and initiatives that cultivate strategic partnerships and instill a culture of community service across the University. His WellBeingU initiative has become a nationally recognized model for improving the physical and inner well-being of students by providing vital behavioral health services, resources, and basic needs.

Katherine Conway-Turner elected as vice president and treasurer

Katherine Conway-Turner, president, Buffalo State College, was elected as vice president/treasurer of the executive committee. Conway-Turner was elected to a member-at-large position for the 2019–2021 term.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this enhanced role and capacity with the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities,” Conway-Turner said. “Buffalo State College, along with CUMU’s other member institutions, play a vital role in the advancement of the urban communities and cities that we anchor. From our collective economic impact to the upward social mobility that we provide to our students, CUMU institutions are dedicated to engaging with and improving the communities they serve. I look forward to continuing to advocate and highlight our important work.”

Conway–Turner has served as president of Buffalo State College, SUNY’s largest and only comprehensive college located in an urban setting, since 2014. Conway-Turner’s vision for Buffalo State to become “Buffalo’s College” through engagement, excellence, and social responsibility is paying off for both the college and the community. Under her leadership, Buffalo State College has been recognized for its commitment to service, engaged teaching and scholarship, and upward social mobility.

Conway-Turner’s personal journey mirrors that of many of her students, past and present. As a first-generation college student, she appreciates the process of education and embraces its transformative aspects.

 New members-at-large

Members-at-large re-elected

Members-at-large continuing their 2019-2021 terms

  • William Fritz, president, College of Staten Island
  • Sandra Haynes, chancellor, Washington State University, Tri-Cities
  • Thomas Parham, president, Cal State Dominguez Hills

Ex-officio members

  • Devorah Lieberman, president emerita; president, University of La Verne
  • Kim Schatzel, CEO of administrative headquarters; president, Towson University

Join the CUMU headquarters team in congratulating each of our executive committee members on their new roles.

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