November 12, 2025 - Explore CUMU Opportunities to Learn, Connect and Lead
Dear Colleagues,
As the immediate past chair of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities, I continue to be inspired by the work happening across our national network of institutions—and I want to thank each of you who help represent UMSL in that important community.
Last month, several of our faculty and staff presented at the 2025 CUMU Annual Conference in Baltimore, highlighting UMSL’s impact in areas such as translational research in K–12 schools, workforce development, student support, and strategic communications. These efforts reinforce the value of our work as an urban research university committed to transforming lives and communities.
If you’re looking to connect with like-minded colleagues across the country, I encourage you to explore current CUMU programming open to all faculty and staff at no cost through our institutional membership. These include:
- Anchor Learning Network: A focused initiative exploring how universities strengthen regional workforces. Kick-off on Dec. 3.
CUMU Huddles: Informal online learning communities on topics such as adult learners, partnership development, data practices and academic leadership. Ongoing and open to join.
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Professional Development, Community Conversations and Webinars: Events on regional, national and global impact reporting, community trust-building and the evolving role of higher education. Ongoing and open to join.
- Metropolitan Universities Journal: Opportunities to submit or review scholarship on urban engagement and innovation. Call for manuscripts due Dec. 1. Or, apply to be a peer reviewer.
There’s never been a better time to get involved. I hope you’ll consider participating in a way that aligns with your passions and expertise. You can explore upcoming opportunities at cumuonline.org.
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis