Welcome to UROC

Located in North Minneapolis, the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) strives to be an inspirational place that transforms research and partnership between the University, North Minneapolis, and the urban core to co-create a more equitable and just future. Since opening its doors in 2009, UROC has worked to build thriving, innovative, and respectful collaborations; create new models of urban-focused community engagement; and strengthen the University as a vital engaged 21st century university serving the public good.

Relevance and Reach: Strengthening the Fabric of Academic-Community Networks in North Minneapolis

Date: April 17, 2026, 10am - 12:30pm

In the Relevance and Reach session, UROC, 1MN, the Northside Bulldogs, and the Minnesota Vixen invite faculty and university staff to meet with residents, community advocates, and organizational leaders who are interested in strengthening the relationship between the university and North Minneapolis neighborhoods. This is an informal social gathering, where UROC will invite an impacted group to talk about an important issue that needs to be addressed through academic partnerships and collaboration. UROC will help build connections and identify shared interests between its North Minneapolis neighbors and session participants. This workshop is highly recommended for faculty and staff who are new to the University and/or interested in community engaged research.

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North Minneapolis Gardens for Change crew

Roni Evans, Douglas Kennedy, Ronda Chakolis, and Sam Simmons

Zoom screenshot from banking and lending

Voices of the Future: Linking Historical Trauma, Ambiguous Loss, and Financial Decision Making Among African American Families research team

News Highlights

Get Your Blood Pressure Tested at UROC

Taking care of your heart just got easier. UROC now offers free blood pressure checks for visitors. Stop by UROC during regular business hours to use the blood pressure machine located next to the coffee and tea area. Regular blood pressure checks can help detect high blood pressure early, support those managing hypertension, and monitor the effectiveness of medications and healthy lifestyle changes. This resource provides a convenient and welcoming alternative for people who may feel more comfortable checking their blood pressure outside of a medical clinic.

Meet the Fellows: Jaime Zolik

UROC awarded the Dr. Josie R. Johnson Dissertation Fellowship to three University of Minnesota graduate students whose dissertation research strongly aligns with Dr. Johnson’s enduring legacy as a scholar and social justice leader. Get to know Fellowship recipient Jaime.

Meet the Fellows: Peng Nelson

In the Gallery

100 Years of Black Freedom— Through August 20

Celebrate a century of Black history and storytelling at UROC. As part of the 100th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson’s Black History Week, The Givens Foundation for African American Literature is presenting a special community exhibit featuring the Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life. Through literature, archival imagery, and live performance, the exhibit highlights Black Freedom Tradition across generations. Stop by UROC for the opening exhibit and live performance on June 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The exhibit will be on display at UROC through August 20, 2026. Funding provided by the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Expanding the University's Commitment to Urban Communities

The Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center is a unit of the Office for Public Engagement within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.