About the Anchor Learning Network (ALN)
Founded by the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), the Anchor Learning Network (ALN) is designed to facilitate a more rapid and effective advancement of the anchor mission within member institutions, in home communities, and across the higher education sector.
By leveraging a peer learning framework, ALN members systematically transform higher education to fully serve its public mission and advance the long-term social, economic, and physical health of our campuses and communities.
Anchor Dashboard
Framework
To help higher-education institutions further their anchor missions and focus initiatives in high-impact areas, Buffalo State, along with the other initial Anchor Learning Network cohorts, developed a framework for tackling community development and measuring and evaluating the outcomes of university initiatives.
Anchor Mission Dashboard (PDF)Categories
- Economic Development
- Education
- Community Building
- Health, Safety, and the Environment
Universal Metrics
Within these respective categories, the dashboard highlights key universal metrics that can help universities focus their efforts and evaluate their success.
For example, key metrics for economic development initiatives would include several new businesses launched through university incubator programs or procurement dollars allocated toward local, minority, and women-owned businesses.
Committee
Co-Chairs
Laura Hill Rao, Director, Civic and Community Engagement
Alan M. Delmerico, Community Health Behavior Scientist, Inst. for Community Health Promotion
Members
Kim Barron, Assistant Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness and Planning
Shannon Budin, Professor, Exceptional Education
Juweria Dahir, Executive Director, Entrepreneurship for All Innovation Center
Yves Gachette, Director, Institutional Research Office
Olivia Harbol, Graduate Student, History
Brian Kantz, Creative Services Director, Marketing and Communications
Luke Krieg, Interim Associate Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness Office
Lisa Krieger, Associate Vice President for Administrative Services, Finance and Management Office
Debbie Lombardo, Customer Journey Specialist, NeighborWorks Community Partners Buffalo
Susan McCartney, Director, Small Business Development Center
Scott Propeack, Associate Director & Chief Curator, Burchfield Penney Art Center
Aurora Schunk, Assistant Director, Civic and Community Engagement
Kathy Wood, Associate Dean, School of Education
Resources
Featured Resources
- SUNY Buffalo State Anchor Mission Recommendations
- An Introduction to the Higher-Ed Anchor Mission
- Examples of Anchor Work at Other Colleges
- Bank Smart! Bank w/ CDFIs
Specialized Resources
Institutionalization Of Anchor
Economic Development
Education
Community Development