California State University, Fresno will host the 16th annual Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) Conference Oct. 24-26. CUMU brings together the largest gathering of presidents, administrators, and faculty from universities that share the unique mission of striving for national excellence while contributing to the economic development, social health and cultural vitality of the urban and metropolitan centers they serve.
This year, CUMU members will be joined by business and government leaders interested in working together to rebuild America’s cities. CUMU member universities are among the most critical anchor institutions in their communities and vital to the city’s success.
“Fresno serves as an excellent background for conversations on how the many elements of a sustainable and vibrant urban culture fit together,” said Dr. John D. Welty, Fresno State president and CUMU Vice-President. “Our city has a cultural diversity and genuine spirit that earned Fresno the distinction of being named an All-American City.”
This year’s conference features over 90 presentations examining topics related to economic development, infrastructure development and human development. Furthermore, speakers will focus on the relationships and synergies among the three topics and the alignment of academic programs and priorities with urban and community initiatives. Featured speakers include:
- Richard Florida, author of “The Great Reset,” “Rise of the Creative Class” and “Who’s Your City?”
- Congressman Chaka Fattah, chairman of the Congressional Urban Caucus
- Heather McLeod Grant, author of “Forces for Good: The Six Practices of
- High-Impact Nonprofits”
- Doug Henton, chairman and CEO, Collaborative Economics Advisors to Civic Entrepreneurs
- Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin
- Michael D. King, vice president of IBM, Global Education Industry
For more information on the conference, visit http://www.cumuonline.org/conference.
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