At the August 9, 2024, Board meeting, the ITGA Board of Directors unanimously approved a membership merger between ITGA and the United Kingdom Town and Gown Association (UKTGA). This strategic merger will be implemented over the next 12 months, with the ITGA executive board overseeing the transition in collaboration with UKTGA leadership to ensure a seamless integration for all members.
What is ‘town and gown’?
The term “town and gown” dates to the Middle Ages but is particularly relevant at a time of unprecedented pressures and change in higher education — and, by extension, in their municipalities.
"This merger represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to strengthen the bond between universities and the communities they call home,” said Cooper Healey, ITGA president and Manager of Manchester Student Homes. “By joining forces, we are not only expanding the campus and community network but also amplifying the resources, knowledge, and opportunities available to our members on both sides of the Atlantic. Together, we will continue to promote innovation, foster collaboration, and enhance the professional development of those dedicated to building strong town and gown relationships."
For over ten years, UKTGA has established itself as a pioneering and professional community of practice in town and gown relations across the United Kingdom. The organization has been instrumental in connecting and supporting its members' professional development while working to enhance the relationship between universities and the communities where students live. The merger between ITGA and UKTGA will increase the impact of both organizations, enabling them to expand their support for professional development, foster collaborative and innovative projects, and drive research efforts on a larger scale. We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our new members.
List of New Members
University of Reading; Durham University; Durham County Council; Queens University Belfast; University of Southampton; University of Leeds; Leeds City Council; Students’ Union at Bournemouth University; University of Liverpool; Liverpool City Council
More about ITGA: The International Town and Gown Association (ITGA) serves as the only global non-profit organization focused on the dynamic between colleges and their host communities. Founded in 2008 and based in Clemson, South Carolina, the ITGA offers members resources, education, networking and solutions to the challenges, emerging issues and unique opportunities found in town and gown relationships. Our members are a diverse group of higher education administrators, elected officials, community groups and campus neighbors who collaborate on issues such as economic development, sustainability, housing, diversity and inclusion, quality of life and civic engagement.