Simpson creates urban research institute

Nov. 30, 2007

In response to a growing urban population, larger minority and immigrant populations and an increased need to examine the social justice issues arising from this growth, Simpson College and Urban Dreams have partnered to create the Simpson Urban Studies Institute (SUSI).

The collaboration will provide greater integration of research and program development in the Des Moines metro area, which will lead to better programs and services for citizens.

SUSI will help address issues created by population growth in the metro area, particularly problems impacting disenfranchised minority communities. SUSI will be located in Des Moines; however, a particular site has yet to be determined.

Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Fred Jones, who has been instrumental in the formation of SUSI, said the partnership was a logical choice for Simpson and Urban Dreams because both institutions have a concern for social justice issues.

The collaboration is beneficial for Simpson College, Urban Dreams and the Des Moines community.

Urban Dreams’ programs and presence in the inner city will provide Simpson College students with integrated learning opportunities.

“As Simpson College moves forward to implement its recently completed strategic plan, the Simpson Urban Studies Institute will play an important role in providing students with opportunities for research, service-learning, and other ways of applying what they are learning in the classroom,” said Steve Griffith, vice president and dean for academic affairs at Simpson College.

Research conducted by Simpson College faculty and students will also help Urban Dreams.

“The partnership with Simpson College will help Urban Dreams demonstrate the effectiveness of its model programs through rigorous program evaluations,” said Zachary Wilson, program director at Urban Dreams. “This initiative will help the inner city residents of Des Moines by exploring social issues, investigating root causes to community problems and providing empirical data to support applied program development and policy change.“

Urban Dreams was founded in 1985 by Iowa State Representative Wayne Ford to provide the Des Moines inner city with a wide range of human services programs.

The partnership was announced at an event Nov. 30 in downtown Des Moines.


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Simpson creates urban research institute Nov. 30, 2007 In response to a growing urban population, larger minority and immigrant populations and an increased need to examine the social justice issues arising from this growth, Simpson College and Urban Dreams have partnered to create the Simpson Urban Studies Institute (SUSI). The collaboration will provide greater integration of research and program development in the Des Moines metro area, which will lead to better programs and services for citizens. SUSI will help address issues created by population growth in the metro area, particularly problems impacting disenfranchised minority communities. SUSI will be located in Des Moines; however, a particular site has yet to be determined. Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Fred Jones, who has been instrumental in the formation of SUSI, said the partnership was a logical choice for Simpson and Urban Dreams because both institutions have a concern for social justice issues. The collaboration is beneficial for Simpson College, Urban Dreams and the Des Moines community. Urban Dreams’ programs and presence in the inner city will provide Simpson College students with integrated learning opportunities. “As Simpson College moves forward to implement its recently completed strategic plan, the Simpson Urban Studies Institute will play an important role in providing students with opportunities for research, service-learning, and other ways of applying what they are learning in the classroom,” said Steve Griffith, vice president and dean for academic affairs at Simpson College. Research conducted by Simpson College faculty and students will also help Urban Dreams. “The partnership with Simpson College will help Urban Dreams demonstrate the effectiveness of its model programs through rigorous program evaluations,” said Zachary Wilson, program director at Urban Dreams. “This initiative will help the inner city residents of Des Moines by exploring social issues, investigating root causes to community problems and providing empirical data to support applied program development and policy change.“ Urban Dreams was founded in 1985 by Iowa State Representative Wayne Ford to provide the Des Moines inner city with a wide range of human services programs. The partnership was announced at an event Nov. 30 in downtown Des Moines.
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