Understanding Urban Research at Kean University
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Delia Latini
CoPIs:
Trinity Thompson, Fabiana Angelica de Oliveira Rocha, Dyquan A. Waters, Samantha Horace
College:
College of Business and Public Management
Major:
Public Administration
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Keisha Griffin
Abstract:
Kean University has been designated as the state’s first urban research university to combat the challenges of underserved and vulnerable communities in New Jersey. On March 9, 2021, Kean University opened its Urban Policy Institute, the John S. Watson Institute. This institute is a conglomeration of policy centers that address critical topics affecting urban communities, such as economic inequality, health disparities, educational and development challenges, and legislative collaboration.
This research project will analyze Kean University, the first Urban Research University in New Jersey, and examine the importance of all stakeholders understanding the distinction’s meaning. The relevance of this project must be considered, as the urban research classification at Kean University will be integrated into all areas like curriculum, research, and extracurricular involvement.
Within the Webster Dictionary the definition of “Urban” is “relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city,” this definition refers to that of a city. “Urban” may differ in connotation based on identity, background, and lived experience. It is an ambiguous term, but it is essential to clarify what this means for Kean University and its beneficiaries. Urban research is a systematic approach to understanding the climate and challenges in urban communities using political, social, economic, and environmental contexts.
The research team will delve into the current literature to determine the purpose and significance of urban research institutions. The project will also include interviews with some of the University’s critical leadership and administrators to compile information regarding the accomplishments so far as an urban research university. All data collected will be analyzed, and the findings will be available to the Kean University community through a poster presentation during the Research Days event at the Union Campus on April 17, 2024.
This project will be the first phase of a large-scale study at Kean University. In addition to the literature review, interviews, and analysis, our findings will provide information on expanding our research. The next phase will involve connecting with all Kean University stakeholders and collecting qualitative data on their experiences and understanding of urban research.
Urban research overall is a valuable theme for any institution to have as a practice. Giving solutions, ideas, and research to underserved cities is vital to student opportunities and experience and ensuring real-life change within communities. The long-term goal of Urban Research at Kean University can be to offer information sessions and workshops, updated curriculums, and research opportunities to broaden the understanding of the topic. The next generation of leaders within Kean University can then be given space for their ideas to flow beyond the borders of Kean University and flourish into equity, access, and opportunity.