During his April 13 inauguration, University of Connecticut President Michael Hogan said the school has an interest in helping the state grow economically.
"We have learned to think too much in terms of my research, my teaching, and my service," Hogan said. "We can't move to the next level of prominence if we continue to look inward, in self-driven and competitive ways.
"We need to start looking beyond the walls of our offices," the president said, "Beyond our own disciplines, departments and colleges, and start thinking instead of our research together, our teaching together, and our service together.”
"Granting agencies want to see that collaboration, because we live in a complex world," said College of Agriculture Associate Dean Nancy Bull, in an interview at a barbecue after the speech. "For example, the food system is not just agriculture. It is also about the impact on the environment, human health, exercise, and what people eat locally."
Hogan said the changes will allow the university to bring in more funding from outside. The president said he hopes to increase the amount of sponsored research done at the university, in certain areas.