The Schaefer Center for Public Policy and The University of Baltimore will highlight the institution's critical role in regional development and community impact at the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities' (CUMU) 2025 Annual Conference, "The Power of Place," to be held Oct. 26-29 in Baltimore. The conference brings together anchor institutions from across the country to explore how urban campuses drive student success and community engagement.
The University of Baltimore will host a community experience, "Developing Professionals through Engaged Learning with Impact," for conference attendees at City Hall. The session will underscore the University's commitment to partnership, public service, and innovation in the city. This session will demonstrate how three University centers create a pipeline of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs through real-world application and community partnership.
Attendees will learn how the Schaefer Center for Public Policy supports the public service sector through its NextGen Leaders for Public Service paid internship program that has provided more than 90,000 hours of service to local, state government and nonprofits, as well as the Maryland Certified Public Manager Program, a nationally accredited leadership development program. Through the CPM, Maryland's leaders gain comprehensive, applied management skills needed to meet the complex demands and challenges of the 21st century.
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will showcase its work helping students and alumni transform ideas into viable businesses, including hearing from participants in the Rise to the Challenge Business Pitch Competition. Finally, the Center for Digital Communication, Commerce, and Culture will highlight how its students tackle challenges for Baltimore nonprofits and small businesses, making a significant impact through innovative solutions. The session will feature students, center directors, and city leaders, demonstrating the power of collaborative, engaged learning.
University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke will join a panel discussion on "Anchor Institutions and Their Role in Public Safety," moderated by City of Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. The panel will offer insights into how universities and hospitals are co-producing public safety to build safer, more connected communities. President Schmoke will be joined by Nadine Finigan-Carr, Ph.D., executive director for the Center for Violence Prevention at the University of Maryland, Baltimore; Joseph V. Sakran, MD, MPH, MPA, executive vice chair of Surgery for Johns Hopkins Medicine/Johns Hopkins Hospital; and Samantha Sailsman, MS, CCHW, regional director of Community Health for MedStar Health.
The CUMU Annual Conference serves as a forum for urban and metropolitan campuses to explore issues of national and international significance, fostering collaboration and strengthening the connection between institutions and the communities they serve.
Learn more about the CUMU 2025 Annual Conference.
Learn more about the Schaefer Center for Public Policy.