CSU College of Urban Affairs Affirms Partnership with NLI

(From Neighborhood Leader, Spring 2008 issue)

Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs will continue its support of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland and its partnership with the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI).

Official confirmation of the commitment came from Dr. Larry Ledebur, director of The Urban Center at Levin College.

Ledebur told NLI's executive director, Don Slocum, "Our commitment to the program and to you and your organization is strong and unwavering. When I say that, I'm speaking for the College as a whole."

Slocum welcomed the news. "The partnership between the University and the community has been a key factor in the success and longevity of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland," he noted.

Ledebur made his statements in response to concerns raised by news of reorganization plans at Levin College—plans that will affect the Center for Neighborhood Development (CND).

CND has been NLI's partner in offering Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland. Some supporters of the program worried that the reorganization could jeopardize the future of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland.

Ledebur wants to put those worries to rest. "The Center for Neighborhood Development is not closing. It is on hold while we reorganize," said Ledebur.

He confirmed that there will be a 25th class of NLC in January 2009, that it will be held on the campus of Cleveland State, and that the class will be offered in partnership with NLI.

Priscilla Burkes will remain on the Levin College staff and will continue to work with Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland.

Phil Star, CND director and co-facilitator of NLC classes since the program's inception, is leaving Cleveland State at the end of June. There is a possibility that he will continue to work with NLC as a consultant.

Ledebur expressed his gratitude for Star's contribution, saying, "I have a deep respect for Phil and what he has achieved."

As part of the reorganization process, Ledebur wants to explore ways to strengthen Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland, drawing on research from best practices nationally.

In addition, he wants to involve graduates of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland in the process. He has committed to working with NLI to develop a plan for getting input from graduates.

Ledebur recognizes that the 25th class of NLC is a significant milestone, both for NLI and for Cleveland State. He hopes to "mobilize the College in celebration of the partnership."

When Class 25 begins in January, said Ledebur, "The partnership will be there, and it will be strong. We're committed to it."