Opinion: Universities Like UMSL Are Building Futures
Date Posted: December 19, 2024
Posted In: Discussion, Workforce,
From St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
by Kristin Sobolik, Chancellor, University of Missouri-St. Louis
There’s a longstanding tradition of excellence at our nation’s land-grant universities. But as we look to the future of higher education, the impact of urban and metropolitan universities is becoming increasingly vital. These institutions serve our most populous regions, providing affordable access to high-quality education and meeting the needs of diverse communities.
As board chair of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities, I’m proud to represent the University of Missouri–St. Louis on the national stage as we engage and empower more than 120 urban universities across the country. Every day, these universities are making strides in their communities, driving social mobility, fostering innovation and developing the workforce our regions and states need to thrive.
Here at UMSL — which is now in its 61st year — we’re leaning into our role as a workforce driver for Missouri’s most populous and economically vital region. Over the past several years, we’ve launched innovative degree and certificate programs in high-demand areas like geospatial technology, supply chain analytics, cybersecurity, FinTech, and more. But perhaps the most exciting initiative shaping our future is the launch of a new UMSL School of Engineering.