The University of Utah has announced a transition in its community engagement leadership, recognizing the contributions of Jennifer Mayer-Glenn, special assistant to the president for campus-community partnerships and director of University Neighborhood Partners (UNP). Mayer-Glenn will step down from the role at the end of June 2026 as she retires after serving for 30 years in Utah’s K-12 and higher education systems.

Mayer-Glenn, who joined the university in 2019, led UNP through a period of significant growth, including its dedication to societal impact through support of the U West Valley Initiative. During her tenure, she elevated a wide range of community voices in University of Utah impact initiatives, including the development of a comprehensive health center, workforce pathways, and innovative research and community-engaged scholarship across the Salt Lake Valley.

To ensure continuity during this transition, the university has appointed Dr. Teresa Molina as interim director of UNP, effective July 1, 2026. Molina has served as an associate director at UNP for 12 years, where she has focused on strengthening community capacity and wellbeing, advancing education pathways, and supporting community-led partnerships. She is a fierce champion of mental health professional pathways, Community Behavioral Health and Integrated Health within systems. Molina is a recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Health Equity 2021, the YWCA of Utah Outstanding Achievement Award in 2023 and the University of Utah Distinguished Faculty Service Award 2024.

In her role as interim director, Molina will be supported by RyLee Curtis, who has been appointed interim special advisor to UNP and community engagement. Curtis will help guide UNP through this transition period and support planning for the next phase of leadership. Curtis will continue in her role as senior director of community collaboration at University of Utah Health, a position she has held for eight years.