Survey names UMKC ‘Best Neighbor’

The University of Missouri-Kansas City was named one of the Top 25 “Best Neighbor” universities based on its contributions to its community, according to “Saviors of Our Cities: A Survey of Best College and University Civic Partnerships.”

The survey was authored by Evan Dobelle, president of Westfield State College, Westfield, Mass. Among the top 25 are University of Southern California, Emory University and University of Missouri-St. Louis.

“An important part of the university’s vision is its active engagement with the city, as well as the region,” Leo E. Morton, UMKC chancellor said. “As a university, we are committed to engaging our community in making this a great urban university – one of which the administration, faculty, students, staff and the community can be proud.”

According to the announcement, the 25 colleges and universities were selected based “on their positive impact on their urban communities – both commercial and residential activities – such as revitalization, cultural renewal, economics and community service and development.”

UMKC was one of the members of the inaugural listing of Top 25 universities in 2006.

“The positive financial impact of higher education on local communities is well-documented,” Dobelle said. “Increasingly, more sophisticated partnerships are emerging that are addressing complex issues such as homelessness and health care and are serving as catalysts for community change. Colleges and universities are doing more and more to support their local communities, and it is a win-win situation for both.”

UMKC provides several community resources and was recognized for the following:

• The Center for Economic Information provides local, regional and national information to the economic decision-makers in Kansas City. The center is involved in research, teaching and outreach activities and its expertise is in the application of computer technology for economic analysis.

• The Innovation Center joins the university, community and global resources in transferring innovative ideas from concept to commercialization; in helping entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses; and in stimulating innovation and economic growth in the region.

• The Small Business and Technology Development Center, part of a nationwide network that provides analysis, consultation and training support to small businesses and technology venture firms to assist in development and growth.

• The Department of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design actively consults with the community on urban and regional policy and participates in projects – locally and nationally – in the urban planning and design studios. The team provided pro bono assistance to the city of New Orleans, assisting with recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to being named one of the Top “Best Neighbor” universities, UMKC has been named three times to the Corporation for National and Community Service’s President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

The Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement.

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