A few weeks ago I got to share research @lydiasupplee, Audrey Moreno and I have been working on examining the history of Regional Comprehensive Universities from 1970-2000 (a time period previously unexamined). (A short tread.)

We studied how 50 RCUs throughout the U.S. evolved as anchors for their regions providing educational access and improving community wellbeing while seeking legitimacy from their regions and states. Several features of their history shape the sector today including ...

.. unequal funding, legitimacy challenges, and public policies that privilege flagships. RCUs also solidified commitments to regional service and access during this time period while struggling with misconceptions about their missions and contributions just as they do today.

RCUs have always been nimble and adaptive, originally occupying abandoned hotels or office buildings before campus grounds were established to house their quickly growing student bodies. Many were also the first in their states to have women presidents or presidents of color.

As they evolved, RCUs added grad degrees to meet regional demand for human service professionals including public health and education workers. These universities also evolved to serve the unique needs of their students offering unique programming to meet student needs.

This time period was fun to examine as many RCUs transitioned from being 2-year institutions or branch campuses to full-fledged universities in the 70s and 80s. The best part of assisting @lydiasupplee on this project has been learning from/doing research with @DUHigherEd grads.

It's important to note that Thelin's seminal book A History of Higher Education gives scant attention to RCUs. Our study fills this gap. We're finishing up data analysis now (historical research takes time!) and hope to submit our first paper to a journal soon.

Given COVID-19 budget shocks facing RCUs, this history carries lessons for how they can sustain their vital missions despite these challenges. I also draw hope from the historical knowledge that even in crisis, these schools have proven as resilient as the students they serve.