UMSL Chancellor Tom George will serve a two-year term as president of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities. (Photo by August Jennewein)

University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor Tom George has been selected for a two-year term as president of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities – a Washington D.C.-based organization of universities in large metropolitan areas that share similar institutional missions and values.

“CUMU is honored to have Chancellor George provide his guidance to the organization as president of the Executive Committee,” CUMU Executive Director Bobbie Laur said. “We know that with his experience leading the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the surrounding St. Louis community through a period of tension to greater understanding and unity CUMU will be well-equipped to address the most pressing issues facing urban educational institutions in the future.”

UMSL chancellor since 2003, George had previously served as vice president/treasurer of CUMU for the past two years.

“Two-thirds of America’s population and 75 percent of its economic output are centered in urban areas,” George said. “CUMU is the leading organization working to strengthen the role of urban and metropolitan universities to ensure that our great cities continue to grow and prosper. I am excited about serving as president for the next two years — during which time I plan for CUMU to concentrate on civic engagement, diversity, inclusion and immigration, as well as influencing the focus of federal research support toward issues affecting urban populations.”

Executive Committee members are presidents and chancellors of CUMU member institutions and serve two-year terms in their respective positions. Laur said each has demonstrated commitment to the CUMU mission of promoting and enhancing urban and metropolitan universities.