RESEARCH
CUMU is a leading voice and forum for current and future generations of higher education leaders grounded in urban and metropolitan communities. Our member campuses are on the leading edge of critical issues in higher education and society. The power of CUMU is that we connect and convene these campuses to explore, create and disseminate knowledge that supports our campuses and the communities they serve.
CUMU’s research agenda is led by the CUMU Research Collaborative, which identifies research priorities and opportunities across the CUMU membership, develops and oversees a Research Fellows Program, and leads collaborative research initiatives.
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Current Research Fellows
Paul Kuttner named CUMU–Collaboratory Research Fellow
During the fellowship, Dr. Kuttner, associate director of University Neighborhood Partners at the University of Utah, will leverage Collaboratory data to contribute to an understanding of current practices and inform how institutions systematically measure and increase the impact of engagement.
CUMU—Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Research Fellow, 2022–2023
The Philadelphia Fed recently launched the Anchor Economy Initiative to examine the economic impacts of anchor institutions, specifically hospitals and higher education institutions, on regional economies. The research fellow will support this work to advance knowledge around the impact of anchor institutions on regional economic and community development.
The call for proposals has closed. The fellowship will be announced in January 2023.
Previously funded research initiatives

Research Fellow
Lina D. Dostilio, EdD, Associate Vice Chancellor, Community Engagement, University of Pittsburgh, 2019 CUMU Research Fellow
Research Team
- Mary L. Ohmer, PhD, Associate Professor, Social Work, University of Pittsburgh
- Kara McFadden, Research and Evaluation Associate, University of Pittsburgh
- Sera Mathew, PhD, Assistant Professor, Point Park University
- Carrie Finkelstein, Graduate Student Assistant, University of Pittsburgh
Funded by The Kresge Foundation

Research Lead
The Center for Community Planning & Development at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University
Lead Author
Molly Schnoke, Project Manager, Community Planning and Development and Levin College Forum Program
Funded by The Annie E. Casey Foundation

Research Lead
Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative (HRAC), Portland State University
Lead Authors
- Marisa Zapata, PhD, Associate Professor of Land-Use Planning; Director, HRAC, Portland State University
- Jacen Greene, Co-Founder and Assistant Director, HRAC, Portland State University