When a group of 10 university presidents gathered in 1989 at Wright State University in Ohio, they focused on a singular mission: how to maximize their schools’ urban locations to help students and the community at large.
The founders called the group the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), which has grown to include more than 120 universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Dr. Zeenat Mitha, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies in UHD’s Department of Arts and Communication, attended CUMU’s national conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in October 2024. She cited the need for urban schools to share information that helps them maximize their unique locations and opportunities to learn from one another.
“This specific conference drew together senior leadership, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and partners,” Mitha said. “It was a chance to learn even more about the best ways to engage with our community.”
According to Mitha, community engagement is at the heart of UHD’s mission.
“Every school has its own identity,” Mitha said. “Some are known for their law schools, medical schools, or communication schools. Because of our location, community engagement is a big part of what we do at UHD.”
Mitha cited UHD’s proximity to large corporations and nonprofit organizations as paramount to the university’s success.
“We’re nestled in the heart of Fortune 100 companies here in Houston,” Dr. Mitha said. “We’re the backdrop to a lot of these corporations. With our METRORail, people can leave their offices and be at our campus quickly and easily to take classes.”
According to Mitha, that’s particularly helpful for people who don’t fit the traditional mold of a university student.
“Many of our students are in transitional phases,” Mitha said. “They may be working professionals or managing family responsibilities. Our location is a definite asset for those juggling commitments outside the classroom. We’re also fortunate to have dynamic faculty who create a learning environment that blends theory with real-world practice, especially in service learning courses. This is meaningful given UHD’s remarkable student body, made up of individuals from all walks of life.”
UHD President Loren J. Blanchard also attended the fall conference and serves on CUMU's board of directors, which further strengthens the university's ties to the group. He was recently elected as Vice Chair and Treasurer to the board.
“As we navigate a shifting landscape in higher education, it is increasingly important that urban and metropolitan colleges and universities partner together to advance discourse, research, and public advocacy,” Blanchard said.
UHD will host CUMU’s national conference in 2026. The university was selected—in part—because of its proximity to transportation, lodging, and dining options. As always, participants will discuss the latest research findings on how students are impacted by their urban learning environment.
"For instance, we know that being involved with community engagement enriches the learning experience, teaches civic responsibility, and strengthens community,” Mitha said. “So, we offer regular courses that put students in touch with these community groups. CUMU is a great way to share what we know about our students with other schools facing the same issues.”
In addition to offering national and regional conferences, CUMU produces a scholarly journal titled Metropolitan Universities. The peer-reviewed, quarterly journal highlights scholarship and research that’s relevant to urban universities. To find out more about the organization, access www.cumuonline.org.
Top photo: President Blanchard, CUMU Vice Chair and Treasurer; Ellen Neufeldt, President, California State University and CUMU Board Chair; and Dr. Antonio Tillis, Chancellor of Rutgers University in Camden and former UHD President.