Spotlight on Research: Russ Smith
by Wendi Jensen & Deb Derrick

With grant support from the Iowa West Foundation, CORE researchers concluded the following: in 1969, the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area had income levels just slightly above 100% of the national level. Today, the metropolitan area boasts per capita income that is almost 110% of the US average. Therefore, statistically at least, those of us living in Omaha earn more than we used to earn. Additionally, we are seeing income increases greater than the US as a whole. Per capita personal income is one example of an indicator that can be tracked over time. Identifying, tracking, and analyzing indicators are just some of the many services provided by CORE.

CORE was established at UNO to link faculty members from the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) with governmental and nonprofit organizations to add value to their operations and services and ensure successful outcomes. Among the organizations who have sought consultation from CORE are the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, OPPD, Nebraska Legal Aid, and the City of Omaha.

These organizations comprise a varied group, with varied needs. Dr. Smith believes CORE can meet those needs because of the depth of the faculty's expertise. CORE connects UNO faculty, staff, and students, who "have many different responsibilities [but] want help in bringing their skills to the community," according to Smith. CORE serves as a clearninghouse of sorts for the community, allowing them to use the talents of UNO faculty members on matters such as strategic planning or seeking accreditation for their organization. Through the expertise of the scholars involved, CORE can help identify, and possibly implement, solutions.

One such problem is helping nonprofits show fund-raising accountability, which, Dr. Smith notes, is a "trend of philanthropy." Accordingly, CORE insists on accountability to their clients, many of whom are seeking--and paying for--outside help for the first time. Dr. Smith notes that "even though a lot of the projects are . . . small amounts of money, for those agencies it represents a trust." CORE's website and brochure indicate that they will work to develop a research strategy that fits the agency's budget and organizational needs.

Dr. Smith described CORE's administrative structure as "a leadership team rooted in the departments of our college." Presently, there are over 40 CPACS faculty and staff, representing 20 different skill/knowledge areas, who have indicated an interest in participating in CORE projects. In addition to faculty and staff, UNO students are also involved. Several students are currently working as research assistants and one is fulfilling an internship at an Iowa-based nonprofit organization.

Although it is based in CPACS, Dr. Smith stresses that CPACS Dean B.J. Reed's vision is for campus-wide participation in CORE. Smith thinks "the leadership team will grow, and there will be people in other colleges helping make connections." Corresponding to UNO's strategic plan's goal of community engagement, CORE offers opportunities for UNO faculty, staff, and students to get involved in the metropolitan area.

Whether tracking per capita income, assessing program performance, or developing program logic models, CORE is offering an easier way to access university expertise for nonprofit and governmental agencies. As Dr. Smith notes, "we're one of only two colleges in the country with community service in its name . . .and we take that very seriously."

For more information on the Center for Organizational Research and Evaluation, visit: www.unomaha.edu/core