University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Market Research Report

Background

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public, historically Black land-grant university located in Washington, D.C. Established in 1851, UDC is the only public university in the nation's capital and the only exclusively urban land-grant institution in the United States. The university offers a comprehensive range of educational programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as workforce development and professional certifications. UDC's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for professional success and civic engagement, with a vision to be a model of urban education and a catalyst for economic and social development in the District of Columbia.

Key Strategic Focus

UDC's strategic focus encompasses:

Academic Excellence: Offering over 80 degree programs across six colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business & Public Administration, and the David A. Clarke School of Law.

Community Engagement: Serving as a vital resource for the D.C. community through workforce development programs, continuing education, and public service initiatives.

Research and Innovation: Emphasizing research in areas such as urban sustainability, environmental sciences, and public health to address challenges facing urban communities.

Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering an equitable and inclusive campus culture that values personal, intellectual, and academic growth for all students.

Financials and Funding

As of the end of the 2022 fiscal year, UDC's endowment was valued at approximately $53.5 million, reflecting a 16.1% decline from the previous year. The university's total salary expenditure for 2022 was $194 million, with instructional salaries accounting for $20.1 million across 227 employees. In May 2023, UDC received a $2 million commitment over three years from Pepco as part of its HBCU Power Partnership, marking the largest corporate grant in the university's history.

Pipeline Development

UDC has recently expanded its academic offerings to align with regional job opportunities and industry demands. New programs include:

Cybersecurity: Addressing the growing need for professionals in information security.

Public Health Information Technology: Preparing students for careers at the intersection of public health and IT.

Community Health Sciences: Focusing on health promotion and disease prevention in urban settings.

These programs are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.

Technological Platform and Innovation

UDC leverages various technological platforms to enhance educational delivery and operational efficiency, including:

VidCruiter: An applicant tracking system to streamline recruitment processes.

Microsoft Power Automate: For automating workflows and improving productivity.

TargetX: A customer relationship management tool tailored for higher education institutions.

Zendesk Support: To manage and resolve student and faculty inquiries effectively.

These technologies support UDC's commitment to innovation and excellence in education.

Leadership Team

Dr. Maurice D. Edington: President since August 1, 2023. Previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where he contributed to the university's top ranking among public HBCUs.

Dr. Scott Krawczyk: Accreditation Liaison Officer, overseeing compliance with accreditation standards and institutional effectiveness.

Marieo Foster: Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, responsible for campus security and emergency management.

Leadership Changes

In July 2024, Professor Angela Gilmore joined the David A. Clarke School of Law as Interim Dean, bringing extensive experience in legal education and administration.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The higher education landscape in Washington, D.C., is competitive, with several institutions offering diverse programs. UDC distinguishes itself as the only public university in the city and the only urban land-grant institution in the nation, emphasizing accessibility and community engagement.

Competitor Analysis

Howard University: A private HBCU offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its strong emphasis on research and professional education.

George Washington University: A private institution with a broad array of programs and a significant focus on research and international affairs.

Georgetown University: A private Jesuit university recognized for its programs in law, business, and international relations.

American University: A private institution known for its programs in public affairs, international service, and communication.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

UDC has established several significant partnerships to enhance its educational offerings and community impact:

Pepco: A $2 million commitment over three years as part of the HBCU Power Partnership, supporting workforce development and infrastructure improvements.

Amazon's Career Choice Program: Providing more than 5,000 Amazon hourly employees access to UDC’s associate and bachelor’s degree programs.

Howard University: Launched a joint training program in public health information technology, funded by an $8.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Operational Insights

UDC's strategic initiatives focus on:

Program Expansion: Aligning academic offerings with regional workforce needs, such as cybersecurity and public health information technology.

Infrastructure Development: Investing in campus improvements, including a new state-of-the-art library and athletic field, supported by a $97.5 million capital investment from the D.C. government.

Community Engagement: Strengthening ties with local organizations and businesses to provide students with practical experience and job opportunities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

UDC aims to:

Enhance Academic Programs: Continuously update and expand curricula to meet emerging industry demands.

Increase Research Capacity: Focus on urban sustainability and environmental sciences to address challenges in urban communities.

Strengthen Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local and national organizations to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and to contribute to community development.

Improve Student Success Metrics: Implement strategies to increase retention and graduation rates, ensuring student success and institutional growth.

Contact Information

Website: University of the District of Columbia

LinkedIn: University of the District of Columbia

Address: 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Phone: (202) 274-5000

Email: info@udc.edu

This comprehensive profile provides an overview of the University of the District of Columbia's strategic focus, financials, leadership, competitive landscape, partnerships, and future directions, highlighting its role as a pivotal institution in urban education and community development.