CUMU Conference 2018

Fulfilling an anchor mission involves both community and economic development efforts. How institutions of higher education choose to build the infrastructure to support their anchor mission is often as varied as the numbers of institutions pursuing such efforts. Weber State University located in Ogden, Utah, has taken an innovative approach that involves collaboration with six additional anchor institutions, the development of a new office, leveraging a unique financial structure and engaging in long-term thinking about the interconnectedness between community and economic development.

In this session, the director of the Ogden Civic Action Network representing the coalition of anchor institutions, Weber State University's chief financial officer, and the Vice President for University Advancement who is responsible for legislative relations and economic development will participate on a panel moderated by the Associate Provost responsible for community development. They will explore the process of development, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the innovative infrastructure built to support the university's anchor mission. Additionally, the governing structure, finances and fit with university mission and vision will be explored as key structural elements.

By addressing the deeply-rooted poverty in the East Central Neighborhood of Ogden through evidence-based interventions in health, education and housing many economic development opportunities will emerge. The demographics of this area have been an obstacle to economic development efforts for more than 30 years.