The Metropolitan University - lesson from leaders - Brief Article

Matrix: The Magazine for Leaders in Education, Oct, 2001 by Robert L. Caret

In his book, The Interactive University, J. Gabe Willey states that an interactive university is one "whose basic developmental strategy is to form an active and reciprocal partnership with the leadership (business, civic and political) of its community or region, a partnership focused on the common goal of shaping a community that is strong and equitable, both economically and socially."

The interactive university is predominantly "others-centered," says Willey, that is, "willing and able to involve its community citizens as `stakeholders' or co-owners in the university's future."

Our campuses can no longer be maintained as intellectual preserves, separate from the communities they serve. They must evolve into true citizens of their communities and become "interactive" partners in community progress.

As the Metropolitan University of Silicon Valley, San Jose State University is in a key position to function as an interactive university. In this role, we work to "develop creative partnerships with public and private enterprises that ensure the intellectual resources of our institutions are fully engaged in mutually beneficial ways" (Declaration of the Metropolitan Universities). Unlike research universities that concentrate primarily on the national and international arenas, the mission of Metropolitan Universities is to serve as catalysts for educational, economic and social change in their regions. The following are examples of SJSU's strategic partnerships:

NASA Collaborative

Built on 15 years of cooperative efforts in applied research and education, a collaborative partnership is evolving with NASA Ames, two local community colleges, and a nearby University of California campus. This partnership will dramatically expand past efforts to address Silicon Valley's critical education and workforce needs through joint research and education programs.

Business Incubators

The SJSU Foundation supports three local business incubators: for new software companies, and environmental and international businesses. The incubators provide a rich environment for innovative entrepreneurs, including mentoring, networking resources, business development and financial management. These incubators have given rise to more than a dozen spin-off businesses. The university's Korean E-Business Commercialization Institute, which is linked to the International Business Cluster, is creating global strategic alliances in marketing, product development and investment to augment collaboration between South Korea and U.S. venture industries.

The university's long-range plans include working with private partners to build office towers on campus, one of which will provide a permanent home to these incubators. Designed for both commercial and academic use, these towers will be entirely self-supporting via the income stream provided by the commercial leases.

Libraries of the Future

A first-of-its kind collaborative venture between SJSU and the City of San Jose is now under way. The new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. library, which will be co-operated by the two partners, will serve as the core educational resource for the entire community, and as an educational and research hub for the entire region.

Aside from sharing expertise, research and resources, strategic partnerships allow schools to create new revenue streams to support capital, equipment, faculty recruitment and other special needs. These partnerships also provide opportunities for the professional growth of faculty through, for example, industry consulting and summer fellowships, while students gain academic, internship and community service experience.

Becoming an interactive university is not without its challenges. The rewards of creating active partners, however, are well worth the effort. The result is a stronger college or university, and a better community for all that reside there.

Robert L. Caret
President, San Jose State University
San Jose, California