CUMU conference focuses on partnerships among universities, communities

More than 300 university officials from throughout North America discussed how universities can partner with business, government and other agencies to improve their communities at the 19th annual Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities conference Oct. 27 ‒ 29 at the Galt House hotel. October 29, 2013

UofL served as host institution for the conference.

President James Ramsey told attendees about UofL’s successful growth from a small, municipal university to a full-blown metropolitan research institution. Other speakers included Mitch Nichols, president of UPS Airlines, and nationally renowned community engagement expert Barbara Holland. Provost Shirley Willihnganz led a panel discussion on Louisville’s 55,000 Degrees initiative. The panel also included Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Simmons College President Rev. Kevin Cosby, Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Donna Hargens, and Mary Gwen Wheeler, executive director of 55,000 Degrees.

In addition to roundtable discussions and poster sessions, attendees toured UPS Worldport, Family Scholar House and Hotel Louisville, all examples of UofL/community partnerships that have benefited Louisville and Kentucky.