ROLE AND IMPACT OF URBAN AND METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITIES

CUMU members are engaged in a wide range of innovative initiatives to address the challenges facing their communities. From promoting economic development to fostering civic engagement, CUMU institutions are at the forefront of efforts to create stronger communities. Our urban and metropolitan campuses play a vital role in shaping the social and economic progress of their regions.

Leaders from CUMU member institutions are contributing to the national conversation on the value of higher education by showcasing the unique impact of urban and metropolitan campuses on students, families, and communities. Please share these articles with students, alumni, and local and state stakeholders to deepen connections and raise awareness.

Recent op-eds by leaders from CUMU member institutions

mark cafferty
ellen j neufeldt

Cutting CSU budget would hurt students, the economy

by Mark Cafferty, president and CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, and Ellen J. Neufeldt, president, California State University, San Marcos; vice chair, CUMU Board of Directors
The San Diegeo Union-Tribune, February 25, 2025

California’s economic future depends on investments today in education, workforce development, and social mobility.

sandra haynes
rebekah s woods

Engines of opportunity: How higher education powers the Tri-Cities

by Sandra Haynes, chancellor, Washington State University Tri-Cities; CUMU Board of Directors, and Rebekah S. Woods, president, Columbia Basin College
WSUTC News, April 30, 2025

Higher education doesn’t just change individual lives, it powers entire communities. In the Tri-Cities, Washington State University Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College (CBC) are doing exactly that: serving as engines of opportunity that fuel financial success, workforce development, and long-term economic growth.

mark overmyer velazquez
wiley dawson

How UConn Hartford is transforming students and communities

by Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, campus dean, chief administrative officer, and Wiley Dawson, assistant director, Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, UConn Hartford
The Connecticut News Project, January 21, 2025

Several upcoming projects signal the university’s commitment to revitalizing Connecticut’s capital city.

Lea en español, Cómo UConn Hartford está transformando a los estudiantes y las comunidades

paul pribbenow

In a time of skepticism, higher ed’s public purposes matter

by Paul C. Pribbenow, president, Augsburg University; secretary, CUMU Board of Directors
The Minnesota Star Tribune, October 14, 2024

Here’s what that looks like at Augsburg University.

kristin sobolik

Urban and metro universities like UMSL are building futures

by Kristin Sobolik, chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis; chair, CUMU Board of Directors
St. Louis Post Dispatch, December 18, 2024

There’s a longstanding tradition of excellence at our nation’s land-grant universities. But as we look to the future of higher education, the impact of urban and metropolitan universities is becoming increasingly vital.