CPACS was created to be “an action-oriented research agency, it should mount the university’s attack upon community problems by organizing around interdisciplinary projects … to bring the full range of current knowledge and techniques of the social, behavioral, and management sciences to bear upon the problems encountered” (Regents’ Commission on the Urban University of the ‘70’s, September 30, 1970).
We have stayed true to that goal. It is just as important now as it was fifty years ago. We provide education, but also direct action, outreach, and applied research to address community problems. We partner with organizations in mutually beneficial ways with the shared goal of making the community better, one step at a time.
With generations of our graduates leading organizations, we are the source and pipeline of talent for public and nonprofit organizations for Nebraska, as well as certain parts of the private sector. The vision of the Regents’ Commission has been realized. The Omaha community is stronger and more humane because of CPACS.
John R. Bartle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Public Affairs and Community Service