Guilford College has joined the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), a group of higher-ed institutions focused on strengthening their responses to the pressing educational, economic and social issues of the day.

One of the most effective ways CUMU helps its members is by growing them into stronger anchor institutions in their own communities, says President Kyle Farmbry.

With its founding, CUMU took the lead in defining the concepts of university-community engagement and stewardship of place. More than 100 schools are part of the coalition, including UNCG and UNC Charlotte, and one-third of the members are deemed minority-serving schools. 

Kyle has long stated his desire to grow the College into an anchor institution in Greensboro. Indeed, a main focus of the College’s strategic plan, Envisioning Guilford 2027, asserts that the College will work with Greensboro businesses, schools and nonprofits to help solve some of the city’s most pressing challenges.

“We want Guilford to be known as an anchor institution,” says Kyle. “Not just in Greensboro but across the globe. Collaborating with other like-minded colleges and universities that are part of CUMU will make our goal a reality.”

Institutions like Guilford located in urban and metropolitan areas typically do not fit the model of more traditional colleges and universities. CUMU was formed in 1989 by leaders of metropolitan and urban institutions who realized their unique challenges and opportunities as they looked to the future of higher education.

“This is a wonderful professional development opportunity for everyone on campus,” says Kyle. “I’m excited about everything CUMU can offer faculty, staff and students. And I know our community has much to offer other institutions as well.”