By Jana Cunningham
Sarah Munro, research director and partnership manager for University Neighborhood Partners, has accepted the position of special assistant to the President for Campus Community Partnerships and director of UNP, effective July 1, 2015.
“Sarah has successfully used her academic foundation and her deep relationships in the community –including her involvement with the Westside Leadership Institute – to advance partnership work on many fronts,” said Ruth Watkins, senior vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Utah. “She possesses a deep understanding of the value, importance and impact of genuine partnership efforts.”
Munro has been deeply engaged in the mission of UNP for more than a decade, serving as director of outreach and associate director prior to her current position. She earned a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Michigan, a bachelor’s in history from Harvard University, has been a research assistant professor in the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning at the U since 2007 and has taught in the U’s Honors College.
“I am absolutely delighted to be selected for this position,” said Munro. “UNP’s partnerships are the result of the terrific work and commitment of many faculty, students, staff, community partners and residents that collectively make a powerful statement about the positive impact that can come from bringing multiple forms of knowledge together to solve problems. I look forward to collaborating with all of our partners to move this work forward in ways that address some of our communities’ most pressing challenges, enrich teaching and research at the U and other institutions of higher education, and increase access to educational opportunities across our shared community.”
A search committee led by Charlotte Fife-Jepperson and Ann Darling provided broad opportunity for input and engagement. Munro will take the place of Rosey Hunter, who has successfully served as director of UNP since 2006.
“Rosey has earned the trust and respect of partners in the community and the university. Much has been accomplished during her time as director, and many have been supported in achieving their aims of educational, professional and personal advancement. We express sincere gratitude for Rosey’s visionary and supportive model of true leadership,” added Watkins.
University Neighborhood Partners brings together the U and west side community resources for reciprocal learning, action and benefit. By addressing systemic barriers to educational success, these collaborative partnerships foster increased access to higher education for community members, a university enriched by its involvement in the community and an enhanced quality of life for all involved.
Jana Cunningham is a communications specialist at University Marketing and Communications. If you have an interesting story idea, email her at jana.cunningham@utah.edu.