It has always been a benefit to a community to have a large public university located within it. Thousands of students live there and spend money in the local economy. The university is a major employer; it hosts athletic contests, concerts, and various arts events; and it brings in engaging public speakers that community members enjoy.

Today, however, the role and importance of a large university within its community has expanded beyond these traditional benefits. This is in part due to the decreasing role of government in providing support for public schools, driving economic development, and performing other public functions. As a result, universities have partnered with local governments, school districts, other universities, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector to take on new responsibilities. In this essay, I describe three examples of how Missouri State University—an organization comprising more than 24,000 students and 3,500 employees located in Springfield, Missouri—has done just that with surprising results.