Not all news in higher ed is doom and gloom. San Jose State University is shining bright at the heart of innovation, building public-private partnerships that boost enrollment, community relationships, and public opinion about higher education.

In this inspiring discussion, Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University, who shares her insights on leveraging the power of public-private partnerships to elevate the institution's role in education, innovation, and community engagement. At the helm of SJSU, located in the dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley, she exemplifies leadership in navigating and enhancing the university's impact through strategic collaborations.

Key Points Overview

 The Vision for San Jose State University

• SJSU embodies Silicon Valley's spirit, aiming to be a cradle for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Focus on creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem for students, the institution, and the surrounding community.
• Dedication to enhancing its brand and enrollment by strategically leveraging its position and partnerships to address contemporary educational challenges.

Addressing Urban Challenges and Enhancing Student Housing

• In response to the need for affordable student housing, SJSU, with the use of HESH funds, is collaborating with a third-party developer to convert a former Fairmont hotel tower into a residence hall in the heart of the downtown Innovation Corridor.
• A creative solution to address the occupancy levels in office buildings significantly contributes to the university's efforts in revitalizing the area and directly supporting students' needs.

Creating an Environment through Public-Private Partnerships

• Prioritize corporate partnerships to provide students with job pipelines and opportunities for community betterment, aligning educational experiences with Generation Z's values and societal concerns.
• Actively engage with leading corporations and thought leaders to tackle issues that reflect the priorities of its student body and broader community interests.

Why Corporate Partnerships Are Critical to Student Enrollment

• The significance of aligning educational offerings with students' practical needs and societal aspirations, especially in addressing global challenges such as public health, climate change, and environmental stewardship.
• How SJSU's strategic collaborations with corporations and community leaders enrich the student experience and contribute to societal well-being.

The Significance of Being an Anchor Institution

• SJSU's role as a steadfast community pillar, providing stability, contributing to local development, and playing an irreplaceable role in the socio-economic fabric of the region. 

The Role of Universities as Conveners

• The university's capacity to bring together diverse groups for civic and social engagement, fostering dialogue and collaborative solutions to community and societal challenges.

The Importance of Collective Impact

• Address the need for collaborative efforts across various disciplines and sectors to address complex societal issues, advocating for unity in action for greater and more sustainable outcomes.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Problem Solving

• Breaking down silos within academia and beyond, promoting a culture of cross-disciplinary collaboration that drives technological, societal, and scientific advancement, creativity, and comprehensive problem-solving strategies.

Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

1. Anchor Institution Significance: Embrace and communicate the irreplaceable value of universities as stable, integral parts of their communities.
2. Convening Role: Utilize the unique position to foster civic and social engagement, driving initiatives that anticipate the needs of future generations.
3. Collective Impact Focus: Champion multidisciplinary collaboration to address community challenges, emphasizing the importance of working together for greater innovation and impact.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson's leadership demonstrates the potential of universities to transform themselves and their communities. But can all institutions follow suit? What challenges and opportunities exist for wider adoption of these strategies?

 Read the transcript or extended show summary on our website →

About Our Podcast Guest

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson serves as the 31st president of San José State University. An internationally recognized Latina leader, President Teniente-Matson is a champion of student success initiatives, diversity, equity and inclusion, civic engagement, and experiential learning. With over 30 years in higher education, she has been instrumental in driving institutional growth and enhancing student experiences. Her tenure as the second president at Texas A&M University-San Antonio marked significant achievements, transitioning it into a comprehensive master’s university, securing the U.S. Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution designation, and the prestigious Seal of Excelencia. She initiated key projects such as the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement, Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders, and the Institute of Water Resource Science and Technology, alongside establishing a Cyber Engineering Technology & Cyber Security Research Center. Her educational background is robust, holding a BA in Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, an MBA from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fresno.

 About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton, host of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: changinghighered.com.

The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
• Twitter: @thechangeldr
• Email: [email protected]

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