Higher Education public institutions are facing significant financial challenges as they move to become more entrepreneurial. Another challenge as identified by Robert Zemsky, et.al. in "Remaking the American University" will be to maintain mission focus.
The University of Rhode Island appears to moving to address the challenge as outlined by their President in a Providence Journal article. Having the pleasure to work at an institution that is also seeking to find new opportunities to grow and service the region, I appreciate their efforts.