THE TRANSFORMATION OF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITIES THROUGH UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: MODELS FOR PROMOTING RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT

During the past decade, urban colleges and universities have been undergoing changes attributable to the reemergence of community engagement as part of their institutional mission. More recently, these outreach efforts have been specifically designed to increase community engagement among faculty and students, while simultaneously contributing to the institution's scientific, policy and social service expertise to improve the cities where they are located [1]. Increasingly, this work is achieved via collective impact models. As anchor institutions that are embedded in communities that have critical needs, these institutions have opportunities to become change agents in collaborating with local entities to address social inequities and build strong, safe healthy neighborhoods. Research indicates that leadership is an essential element of metropolitan universities' ability to foster cultures that are committed to community engagement. Under the leadership of Rutgers University Newark's Chancellor, Nancy Cantor, the development of a comprehensive strategic plan served as a framework for addressing issues of inequality collaboratively with community residents and stakeholders [2].