University of Baltimore Declared 'Anchor Institution' by City
June 26, 2014
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
The University of Baltimore has been named one of eight "Anchor Institutions" by the City of Baltimore, joining a coalition of city-based universities and a hospital that provide the essential elements—good jobs, local investments, cultural touchstones and innovative solutions to today's challenges—for strong growth in the city. Tied directly to Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's announced goal of adding 10,000 new families to the city's population, these institutions, including UB, are integral to a sustainable model for successful growth. Rawlings-Blake and other city officials joined officials from UB and the other Anchor Institutions at a special signing and kick-off ceremony on June 25 at City Hall.
"Baltimore City's Anchor Institutions have long played an important role in the City's growth and include some of the oldest and renowned institutions in the country, both public and private," Rawlings-Blake wrote in a letter introducing the new initiative. "As Baltimore City expands its knowledge-based economy, it is essential to understand the role Anchor Institutions play in shaping Baltimore's economic future—employing City residents, supporting local businesses and revitalizing communities. The 'Eds and Meds' industry sector is uniquely qualified to play a significant economic role through local hiring practices, the purchase of local goods and services, and serving as real estate and community developers."
UB's Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Joseph Wood, who signed the document formalizing the collaborative effort between the participating institutions and city government, said that the Anchor Institutions model plays to UB's strengths as a campus with deep local roots, a long-standing commitment to community engagement, and an academic program and student population with Baltimore in its DNA.
"All of us at UB are proud to be part of this important partnership," Wood said. "As our university continues in its mission to make Baltimore a great place to live, work and raise our children, it's wonderful to have a contingent of institutions and the city's leadership making progress with us, sharing our successes and meeting the challenges. The potential for doing still more good work is huge, and it's highly gratifying. A safer, stronger and more vibrant community is our goal—and the Anchor Institutions can help in any number of ways."
The complete list of the city's Anchor Institutions is:
- Bon Secours Health System
- Coppin State University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Loyola University Maryland
- Maryland Institute College of Art
- Morgan State University
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- University of Baltimore
Read The Baltimore Sun’s coverage of the Anchor Institutions partnership.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.