June 8, 2006 — The University of Utah announced today that Rosemarie Hunter, Ph.D., LCSW, has been selected as Special Assistant to the President for Campus Community Partnerships. In that role she will serve as the new director of University Neighborhood Partners (UNP). She will replace Irene Fisher, who retires July 29. UNP, a department of the University, brings together the University and communities on the west side of Salt Lake City “for reciprocal learning, action, and benefit” to develop programs and partnerships that allow youth and their parents access to higher education.

Dr. Hunter has served as Faculty Director for University Neighborhood Partners, Hartland Center since 2004. She is an Associate Professor/Lecturer, Director of BSW Field Education and International Social Work at the University of Utah. In accepting the new position Dr. Hunter said she is very excited and fortunate to have this opportunity, “The mission of UNP is crucial. All across the nation and abroad, institutions and communities are struggling with the same issues that face our community…how do we come together to build healthy communities that provide for the needs of all residents? These are complex issues…. yet, with the combined efforts of campus and community partners, we can build on strengths, share resources, learn from each other, and implement thoughtful and inclusive solutions. We are all citizens in one community.”

A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Hunter received her BA in Criminal Justice from Alvernia College, Reading PA, 1978. She graduated with a MSW from Brigham Young University in 1986, and received an Educational Administration certificate from the University of Utah in 1996. She received a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Utah in 2004.

In announcing the decision, Irene Fisher, current director of UNP stated, “I am extremely pleased with the selection of Rosey (Dr. Rosemarie Hunter), as the new Special Assistant to the President for Campus Community Partnerships. We have learned of her skills and interests while she has functioned as the faculty coordinator of our UNP-Hartland Center partnership. We will work together through a transition period, and I know she will be able to move forward without any lapses in leadership.” Dr Hunter begins work on July 1.

Dr. Hunter is married and has three children and three grandchildren. According to Dr. Hunter, she and her husband have “an assortment of critters, including 10 cows, 20 chickens, 6 cats and many old cars.”

For more information about University Neighborhood Partners you may access www.partners.utah.edu.