NewHavenBIZ

16 n e w h a v e n B I Z | A u g u s t 2 0 2 1 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m I t has been a turbulent past several months for the University of Bridgeport, but its new president, Danielle Wilken, foresees financial stability, growth and success in the coming years. Wilken, who has 25 years of experi- ence in higher education, took over the top job on May 24. She had most recent- ly served as East Hartford-based Goodwin University's provost and dean of faculty. According to Wilken, her first priority as UB's twelh president is to "reestablish the excellence of the UB brand." "e University of Bridgeport has had a wonderful reputation, but in the past year, there has been some confusion around what was happening with the institution," Wilken said. "I want to provide clarity as to where the institution is and what's happening." In May, Goodwin and Paier College finalized their purchase of the University of Bridgeport's real estate and academic programs. Paier College, long based in Hamden, took over UB's fine arts and design-related programs and has relocated its operations to the UB campus. Goodwin, which had been wanting to expand its reach into the Bridge- port area to attract more students, bought UB's remaining assets. However, UB continues to function as a separately-accredited independent institu- tion with its own leadership and board of trustees. e $32 million deal is expected to result in increased financial stability due to cost-sharing efforts. "e former trustees of the University of Bridgeport realized that they were in an unsustainable model," Wilken said. "ey were struggling with some of the finances in the institution, and they were looking for some partnerships or an opportunity to find a new path forward." Wilken credits those leaders for their efforts, and notes that some other higher ed- ucation institutions that have faced financial problems have closed. According to Wilken, because of the deal, UB, Goodwin and Paier can share back office operations to save money, without negatively impacting students. "It means additional cost savings for all of the institutions involved, even from a perspective of negotiating contracts," Wilk- en said. "We are a much bigger institution and are able to participate in contracts in a different way." e collaboration between Goodwin, Paier and the University of Bridgeport is being closely watched in the higher educa- tion community, says Wilken. "Higher ed needs to become more efficient, and more student-centered, and I think we are really on track to lead the way and demonstrate an effective model for doing that," Wilken said. "In five to 10 years, you will see a thriving, robust univer- sity that has really set the model for other institutions on how to collaborate, not only interdepartmentally on campus but across institutions." She credited the faculty and staff for embracing each other and looking for ways to collaborate. Manyul Im, provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of Bridge- port, described Wilken as an "open and candid leader with a no-nonsense approach to problem-solving." "In only a couple of months, she has improved the teamwork across our campus and has the institution heading in a smarter, more efficient direction," Im said. Looking forward Another priority for Wilken is to help the University of Bridgeport grow by expanding its academic programming and services. Wilken is leading an effort to evaluate the university's academic programs to deter- mine what should be added to its course offerings. She noted how UB has a Student Entre- preneur Center on campus, aimed at help- ing successfully launch fledgling businesses. "We are looking at opportunities for ex- panding those services for our students and Eye to the Future New University of Bridgeport president sees growth, stability ahead Michelle Tuccitto Sullo University of Bridgeport's diverse student body White 28.8% Black or African American 30.2% Hispanic 25.9% Enrollment by race/ethnicity: Asian 4.1% American Indian or Alaska Native-1% Two or more races-1% International 9% Source: University of Bridgeport An aerial view of the University of Bridgeport's campus. PHOTOS | CONTRIBUTED

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