Gilliland mentioned that over the last 50 years, universities deployed their resources where the public wanted them-in the research enterprise, a major driver for the Nation's economy. Recently, however, parents and the public demand that universities stop concentrating totally on research and start focusing on the students. To meet these new demands, universities across the country are taking bold and courageous steps to become student-centered within the research context. This will be especially beneficial to graduate students who need research capabilities and extra attention from faculty members. University involvement in national, local, and international issues.
Universities offer themselves as solutions to local, state, and national issues.
According to Gilliland, public support will be renewed, in part, when university faculty and students become involved in such issues as crime, public schools, homelessness, medical education of the poor, water supplies, waste disposal, etc. Becoming involved in such activities will permit both faculty and students to use their professional expertise outside the university environment. Furthermore, the application of knowledge in the professional arena not only helps solve problems, but it also helps to create new knowledge and theories. Thus, applying current research techniques maintains the vitality of research itself and of the university. Group intelligence and group creativity.