Stanford University is exploring the possibility of opening an engineering campus in New York City.
It’s not the only one. Stanford was one of about 20 institutions that met with city officials early this month after the New York City Economic Development Corporation posted an invitation for institutions that could “develop a premier science and research facility and campus” in the city.
“In order to maintain a diverse and competitive economy, the city seeks to strengthen its applied-sciences capabilities, particularly in fields that lend themselves to commercialization opportunities,” the invitation said. Four locations were being considered: the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Navy Hospital Campus, the Goldwater Hospital Campus on Roosevelt Island, Staten Island’s Farm Colony, and Governors Island.
John Hennessy, the president of Stanford, announced the university’s pursuit at a Faculty Senate meeting yesterday. The center would reportedly focus on information technology and would share courses with the university on the West Coast through distance education.
“The time is coming for universities to be in more than one location,” he said at the meeting. “This is a chance for the university to create a center of innovation and vibrancy that offers the kind of economic growth that exists in Silicon Valley. That is a challenge that Stanford is uniquely positioned to undertake.”
Stanford’s engineering school is No. 2 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, behind the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Among in-state programs, Cornell University ranks 10th and Columbia University ranks 18th.
Follow Buildings & Grounds through your favorite RSS reader: 
