Man in the middle

Jim Clements aims to forge
stronger links between TU, region

In a new position—with a new, more focused, view of TU’s role in the region—Jim Clements is raring to make a difference.

As the university’s new acting vice president for economic and community outreach, he’s committed to extending TU’s academic strengths well beyond the campus boundaries.

“Of course we’ve been tackling external education, economic and societal issues for years,” says Clements, who as executive director of the Center for Applied Information Technology (CAIT) is no stranger to the concept.

“But it wasn’t a coordinated effort, so it was difficult to track projects and maintain a campus-wide inventory.

“Now, with the creation of a Center for Economic and Community Outreach, we’ve brought several successful centers under the aegis of one administrative unit.

“It enables us to work together to identify outreach efforts that benefit the university and the broader community.”

Clements says the outreach effort extends to other academic areas on campus. Those academic links are critical, he explains. “I look forward to working directly with the chairs and deans to help to facilitate their outreach initiatives.

“Since the news release went out two weeks ago, I’ve received dozens of e-mails from faculty and staff and from business professionals suggesting opportunities for collaboration.

“I certainly welcome additional suggestions and ideas for how we can work together to be agents of meaningful change in the region we serve.”

The center, says Clements, exemplifies President Robert L. Caret’s vision for TU. “It fits perfectly with his belief that TU—Maryland’s Metropolitan University—should forge strong links with our communities,” he says.

“I think we’ve found our niche as a metropolitan university,” he continues. “The president has clearly articulated his vision based on campus input, including numerous focus groups during the transition and through the work of various task forces.

“Our new mission will enable us to grow in new ways, such as expanded service and internship opportunities for students, a Metropolitan Leadership Studies Institute, a Center for Homeland Security, business incubators and many other externally focused initiatives.

“What we’re telling the world now is, “This is Towson University: We are wonderful teachers and scholars who care about our students, and we are reaching out to make our region a better place to live and work.”

Story by Jan Lucas/Photo by Sofia Silva

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