Brown and Providence
The success of Brown University and Providence, RI, are inextricably tied to each other. Brown’s nearly 8,000 students and 2,000 employees and their families contribute financially, culturally, socially and intellectually to the qualities of life in the Ocean State. As the city and state become increasingly attractive through many community revitalization and economic development efforts, Brown becomes more competitive in attracting the finest faculty, students and staff. This historic relationship, for years a feature of life on College Hill, in recent years has expanded beyond College Hill, through the clinical and research activities of Brown Med School faculty and students both at area hospitals and at laboratories in Providence’s downtown Jewelry District.
As Brown envisions its future, as described in the Plan for Academic Enrichment (2004) and the Strategic Framework for Physical Planning (2002), its biomedical and related technology initiatives are features of its growth beyond College Hill, as are a variety of administrative functions. Linking the activities that occur beyond College Hill to the campus are a series of Transportation initiatives by both Brown and the City. The Transportation Office is coordinating these efforts. On College Hill undergraduate life and the liberal arts and sciences will grow and flourish on Brown’s traditional campus as areas presently devoted to biomedical education become available. Plans call for new biomedical and technology facilities to create a home for Brown in the mixed-use Jewelry District and the nearby Hospital area. In the spirit of the shared goals of city and university, elected officials and leaders in city and state government, and community residents are enthusiastic supporters of this new direction for Brown.
