Community Engagement and Public Service Activities

In partnership with the Chancellor's Office, I am convening a series of campus-wide conversations that involve numerous community partners in envisioning the campus physical form as UWT expands. These conversations will help guide planning and development in the coming years in reflection of our urban-serving and community engaged institutional mission.

Learn more about campus planning.

In May 2023, UW Tacoma hosted a community conference around entrepreneurship, convening a network of incubators, accelerators, funders, investors, industry groups, and economic development agencies for a conference in May. Nearly 100 entrepreneurs and community leaders attended to share their ideas and experiences. The event, created by Jill Purdy in partnership with the Economic Development Board of Tacoma/Pierce County and the William Factory Incubator, was an opportunity for attendees to network, learn from one another, and brainstorm ways to enhance the ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Participants generated numerous ideas for improving access to resources, mentoring, and funding and strengthening support for entrepreneurs. Data collected at the conference will contribute to The BEE Project research currently being conducted by scholars Christina Theodoraki and Winifred Soribe on the South Sound entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This project brings college and middle school students together to learn how to estimate two important metrics in salmon biology: the number of coho salmon spawning in Swan Creek (aka "escapement), and the rate at which coho salmon are dying before they spawn (broadly called "pre-spawn mortality").

Undergraduate students from UW Tacoma also teach the community about their capstone project by participating in Salmon Saturday events hosted by Tacoma Metro Parks.

This government-industry-academic advisory and discussion workgroup was focused on understanding the role of automotive products in water quality impairment.  The group worked to identify causes of stormwater pollution and discussed possible solutions.

Founded in 2021 by staff, faculty, alumni, and community members Celebrando Comunidad recognizes and celebrates the contributions of those in the Puget Sound who identify as members of the Latine communities or organizations who directly and positively impact South Sound Latine communities. The first of its kind, this historic event celebrates South Sound Latine community leaders and Latine-led organizations through cultural programming and award presentations. The celebration is hosted in Spanish. 

Designing Rich Experiences Around Majors, or DREAM Kits, are presentations where groups engage in academic based activities that relate to a certain college major. In the presentation, our specially trained Access Ambassadors will be ready to answer questions regarding post-secondary options, choosing a major, and support students in learning about their options after high school.  DREAM Kit presentations can be scheduled for middle school, high school, after-school, or community college groups.

Our current DREAM Kit Workshops can be focused on the following majors:

• Criminal Justice

• Culture, Arts, and Communications

• Environmental Science

• Environmental Sustainability

• Urban Studies