The role of HRD in university – community partnership

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to identify ways by which the core functions of human resource development HRD can be used to enhance the university–community partnership (UCP) in lieu of the “town and gown” era. Furthermore, the paper addresses the need to extend HRD activities beyond the organization and leverage HRD to spearhead the community-development agenda through coalition building between organizations, local universities and the community. Design/methodology/approach Literature on UCP is reviewed and analyzed, and the need to extend HRD focus beyond the organization to include community development through coalition building is discussed. A single-case descriptive analysis to illustrate the critical role of human resource and leadership development in UCP is done. Findings HRD’s interest in the UCP drive is negligible. UCP presents a new frontier for HRD research and practice because there is both public and private funding that can be assessed through the right contacts and networks. Originality/value The need for UCP has been a subject of discussion among scholars for time immemorial. However, the collapse of the “town and gown” era has inspired greater interest in UCP. HRD scholars and practitioners can leverage the expertise in applying andragogy principles, the focus on the adult learner and community leadership development to play a crucial in the UCP drive.

Engaging Communities in Challenging Times: Lessons Learned from the Master Gardener Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Because going virtual would not fit into the entirety of the activities the program engages in, innovation and creativity became eminent. Using scenario planning and a modified version of the framework for UCP (Osafo & Yawson, 2019), the volunteers with the help of the extension agents came up with ideas to enhance their community engagement agenda. Before discussing some of the innovative ideas used by the MGs, let’s quickly look at scenario planning and the framework for UCP.…”

“…As indicated by Osafo and Yawson (2019), partnerships between universities and communities helps to optimize both human and material resource utilization and builds the capacity for developing communities. Figure 1 below clarifies the modified version of the framework for UCP.…”

“…5. Public information network-a public information network should be set up via available platforms to provide stakeholders the opportunity to share ideas and ask questions (Osafo & Yawson, 2019).…”

“…As indicated by Osafo and Yawson (2019), “university-community partnership is exigent in addressing tenacious issues that threaten community life” (p. 4). Thus, the collaboration between institutions of higher education and the larger community has been found helpful in addressing community defined needs and keeping residents safe (Marullo & Edwards, 2000; Osafo & Yawson, 2019).…”

“…Since the early part of the 21 st century, many colleges and universities in the US have embraced community engagement as an integral part of their core responsibilities (Weerts & Sandmann, 2010). As indicated by Osafo and Yawson (2019), "university-community partnership is exigent in addressing tenacious issues that threaten community life" (p. 4). Thus, the collaboration between institutions of higher education and the larger community has been found helpful in addressing community defined needs and keeping residents safe (Marullo & Edwards, 2000;Osafo & Yawson, 2019).…”