Imperative 9
9
Build
Community and Metropolitan Connections
The
way that we relate to the local community,
Houston, and other metropolitan areas of
the state will have a powerful impact on
Texas A&M University and the communities
supporting and supported by the university.
In addition, it is critical that the community
in which we live provide opportunities for
families to work and grow. Spouses need
highquality employment opportunities. Faculty
and researchers need private-sector sponsorships
and commercialization support. As we attract
a wider range of people to Texas A&M University,
the enrichment provided through our connection
to a large metropolitan area becomes increasingly
important. Correctly choreographed, such
a connection gives us the best of both worlds.
P
R E C E P T: N U RT U R E C O N N
E C T I O N S W I T H T H E L
O C A L
C O M M U N I T Y
Our relationship
with the community is critical to enhancing
the university. The schools, industries,
businesses, cultural activities, and entertainment
opportunities all play a pivotal role in
building a quality place to work and learn.
This is a mutually reinforcing phenomenon.
Texas
A&M University aspires to identify areas
of mutual interest and focus efforts on
even greater university-community cooperation
in critical areas.
T
A S K F O R C E I D E A
G
O A L S :
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Collaborate
in attracting new businesses, expanding
existing businesses and providing employment
opportunities. Collaborate on certain
capital and other projects required to
achieve strategic academic and community
goals.
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Work with colleges in the local area to
build stronger, more robust relationships.
Strengthen partnership with Blinn College
for the benefit of all citizens of the
Bryan-College Station area.
P R
E C E P T: C R E AT E A N D E
N H A N C E M E T R O P O L I TA N
C O N N E C T I O N S
Most universities started out
as islands, located away from the city and
its distractions. This is especially true
of land grant institutions developed in the
United States at the end of the 19th century.
While many fine university towns were created,
changing forces in the world tend to support
the idea that great universities are enhanced
by close relationships with, and physical
proximity to, large metropolitan centers.
Connections to metropolitan areas affect such
disparate concerns as our desire to be a diverse
institution, employment for faculty spouses,
and cultural opportunities. While distance
is a limiting factor in our association with
a major metropolitan area, the inexorable
growth of Houston to the northwest and the
Bryan-College Station area to the southeast
indicate that eventually the connection will
be completed. The best universities in the
21st century will have strong connections
to major metropolitan areas.
Establish
an enhanced presence in the urban areas
of the state with primary emphasis in greater
Houston.
T
A S K F O R C E I D E A
-
Identify
common interests between the community,
the university, and nearby metropolitan
areas through ongoing relationships among
the leaders. Expedite and effect positive
growth and development in the Houston-Bryan-College
Station corridor. Establish significant
transportation, cultural, and economic
linkages between Houston and other metropolitan
areas and the Bryan- College Station area.
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T
H E U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S F
U T U R E I S A B O U T
C O N N E C T I O N S :
A
significant problem of mutual community
and college interest lies in the fact
that the A&M College of Texas is located
nearly 100 miles from a metropolitan
area and that transportation to and
from large cities is relatively difficult.
The construction of a rapid transit
highway between College Station and
Houston and increased public transportation
facilities would virtually eliminate
the relative isolation and would bring
great benefits to the A&M College
and the community. The difficulties
involved in gaining this transportation
advantage are recognized, but the
potential impact is so great as to
invite the maximum attention of the
A&M College, its administration and
board of directors, and the civic
leaders of Bryan and College Station.
A
Report on Faculty, Staff, and
Student Aspirations
The A&M College of Texas, 1962
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