The University of North Florida has named Dr. Richmond Wynn as vice president of community engagement and partnerships.

Dr. Wynn will lead efforts to grow and expand University partnerships in the community, a top priority outlined in UNF's Strategic Plan. Supporting UNF's critical role as a top provider of talent in Florida and a Carnegie Community Engaged Campus, Dr. Wynn will work with other units to increase the depth and breadth of UNF's partnerships, which benefit students and the local economy. Leading the newly created Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Wynn will connect businesses and community organizations with UNF resources to expand research experiences, student internships, mentoring programs and other opportunities aligned with the priorities of the University and the community. Serving as a central hub for organizations seeking to collaborate with UNF, the office will also regularly assess the impact of university-wide community engagement initiatives, ensuring that UNF is effectively meeting the needs of the region.

"Richmond is a highly respected member of the Jacksonville community, making him the ideal person to lead this effort," said UNF President Moez Limayem. "UNF plays a critical role in our region, and there is tremendous opportunity to have an even greater impact. Community engagement is a key focus of our Strategic Plan, and I am confident that under Richmond's leadership, UNF will remain a strong leader in Jacksonville, bringing people together to collaborate, innovate and solve problems."

The Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships will also work with other UNF departments to facilitate and promote on-campus community engagement activities that embed civility and a culture of care throughout UNF, institutional values that support a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty and staff. The office will collaborate with units to encourage best practices, skill development and resources that all members of our campus community need to thrive.

An associate professor of public health, Wynn joined UNF in 2000 and has held a number of roles including director of the UNF Counseling Center, director of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the Brooks College of Health and, most recently, as vice president, chief diversity officer. He is active in numerous civic and community organizations including The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.

Wynn received a doctorate in counselor education and a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Florida. He also earned a Master of Science in Health from UNF specializing in addiction and mental health counseling. Wynn will begin his new role on April 29.