Urbana University: Reasons for optimism after it almost closed

It’s been a little more than three years since Franklin University stepped in at the last minute and acquired Urbana University’s assets in 2014.

In that time, Franklin has poured more than $15 million into Urbana’s facilities as part of a long-term plan to attract new students and shore up a campus that was on the verge of closing for good, according to Christopher Washington, the executive vice president and provost.

The Springfield News-Sun will explore Urbana’s attempts to rebound in an in-depth report publishing this weekend.

Here are three reasons officials there are optimistic.

1. Physical improvements

Officials from Franklin provided a two-page list of the improvements made since its acquisition of Urbana University in 2014. The improvements ranged from relatively small projects like removing tree stumps and repairing the grass soccer field to renovating the university’s physics and biology labs.

The improvements also included relocating the campus’ Johnny Appleseed Museum, ramping up wireless accessibility campus-wide and signing on with a new food service vendor.

2. Adjusting its courses

Kelly Evans-Wilson, director of assessment and academic quality, has served as a faculty member before and after Franklin’s acquisition. The biggest difference, she said, is that Urbana University had few resources while its financial situation deteriorated. That meant faculty members and staff were often using outdated equipment and were focused mostly on day-to-day challenges. There was no five-year plan for improvements just a few years ago, she said.

Washington said more changes are underway. He noted the university is developing new academic programs in fields like environmental science, information systems, health systems and cyber security.

3. Reaching out to the community

Washington is part of a team developed to address the needs of local businesses. That group recently visited Honeywell Aerospace in Urbana and is scheduled to meet soon with Bundy Baking Solutions, a local manufacturer.

“They are intimately getting involved in the community,” said Marcia Bailey, economic development coordinator for the Champaign Economic Partnership,of Urbana University’s recent emphasis on local business.

The community is also embracing the campus more than may have been the case in the past, she said. Last year was the first year community members hosted a block party in downtown Urbana to welcome students to the campus at the start of the school year, and a similar event is scheduled for August.

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Matt Sanctis