Exploring higher education institutions in relation to their cities: case studies of four urban-based universities, 1980–2020
Creators: name: Conteh, Michael Linso Lawrence
Publisher: name: No Publisher Supplied
Year: 2023

description: This dissertation examines the significance of higher education institutions (Universities) as anchors in their host cities and their community engagement strategies from 1980 to 2020. By examining four case studies of urban-based universities that are members of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) across diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts, my dissertation analyzes the impact of anchor strategies on local communities, economic growth, and urban revitalization. Two public institutions, Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) and the University of Pretoria (Mamelodi Campus, South Africa), and two private institutions, Syracuse University (S.U.) and the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN), comprise the four selected institutions. The fundamental questions guiding this research are: 1) How can we account for urban universities becoming more engaged with their host cities? 2) How does engagement vary across public and private institutions and between cities? 3) How do these universities affect the city’s economy and demographics?In answering the research questions, my dissertation specifically employed the following sources: archival research on each university and secondary data drawn mainly from institutional publications; collecting press documents as well as publicly accessible institutional memos and emails and other documentation of partnerships; memoirs; strategic plans; student publications; and other relevant sources to illuminate each university's historical narratives and assess the validity of each explanation of the information relevant to the dissertation and mission statement. When carrying out comparative research, the many approaches utilized in the process should complement one another, and these sources did precisely that.The dissertation then discusses its findings by reviewing the existing literature on anchor institutions and their significance to their host cities. Then, I present a comprehensive analysis of the four selected universities, detailing their historical background, strategic objectives, and community engagement initiatives. Universities can act as a variety of catalysts for urban transformation through leadership, partnerships, public safety, and community engagement, as the case studies demonstrate.Comparative analysis of the case studies reveals that effective anchor strategies frequently involve multidimensional approaches that address their respective cities' social, economic, and public safety challenges. In addition, I identify the key factors contributing to the efficacy of anchor strategies, such as strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and maximizing the role of foundations and long-term vision.The findings of my study highlight the significance of universities as significant agents of urban change in guiding policymakers, urban planners, and higher education administrators who seek to harness the potential of universities in shaping sustainable and inclusive community engagement. My dissertation highlights the interplay between universities and their environments rooted in their host cities. This dissertation will serve as a model for other universities interested in becoming anchor institutions or participating in this work.