As obvious as changes are at the University of Cincinnati, one of the most significant transformations is so subtle it often goes unnoticed -- UC's growth as the "new urban research university." Because few people have grasped the enormity of what that means, we decided to illustrate the concept through photos.

Cultivating the five focus areas listed in the galleries below can be a tricky balancing act, but the UC|21 strategic plan slightly alters the center of attention and creates a ripple effect in programs, attitudes and, eventually, national rankings. We think it has resulted in a vibrancy that continues to permeate all five UC campuses, one evident enough to let you reach your own definition of what makes an "urban research university."