Marilyn Higgins named U of M UROC Interim Executive Director

Marilyn Higgins has been named interim executive director of the University of Minnesota Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). She comes to the University and the UROC community with a distinguished career built on more than 30 years of experience in cultivating community-campus partnerships in metropolitan settings. Most recently, she served for nine years as vice president for community engagement and economic development at Syracuse University in New York, where she led urban community revitalization initiatives that brought together residents, business leaders, and university personnel.

Stepping into the role of UROC interim executive director, Ms. Higgins brings knowledge of UROC’s history, mission, programs, and partnerships from her work as a member of the team that completed UROC's 2016 External Program Review. She provides interim leadership for UROC, working collaboratively with UROC staff and with campus and community partners, while the University completes a national search for the next executive director. Ms. Higgins began her interim appointment on September 25 and was formally welcomed at UROC Community Day on Thursday, October 5.