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CSU in the News

 CLEVELAND – To underscore its commitment to engaged learning, Cleveland State University has created the position of vice president for University Engagement.  Named to the new role is Byron White, a former vice chancellor for the Ohio Board of Regents and a former associate vice president for Community Engagement at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He will begin at CSU Feb. 6.

In the new position, Dr. White will develop and execute a strategic plan for community engagement intended to enhance and extend the many important partnerships CSU has established in recent years. He will work to increase cooperatives and internships for students and participate in outreach opportunities that contribute to University and community objectives.

“Engaged learning is most importantly about building bridges to the community for our students,” said CSU President Ronald M. Berkman. “It is an approach to education that extends the learning process beyond the classroom, giving our students real-world experience and a pipeline to jobs in the region. Dr. White will play a key role in developing programs that align the University more closely with the needs of our neighborhoods and the region.

One of Dr. White’s primary tasks will be to oversee the new medical school program CSU recently established with the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). That partnership received special state funding this year and a $1.5 million grant from the Cleveland Foundation to develop primary care physicians to work in underserved urban communities.

Approximately one third of Dr. White's salary will be paid through a recent grant from the Cleveland Foundation awarded to CSU to support its partnership with NEOMED. Funds from the grant, in addition to an administrative reorganization, will result in an aggregate savings on vice presidential salaries for the University.

A former journalist, White transitioned from a reporter and editor at the Chicago Tribune to the paper’s senior manager of community relations.  He earned a doctorate in education management from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in social science from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s in journalism from Ohio University.

About Cleveland State University
Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 17,000 students, 8 colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2011 as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.