The University of Chicago

Derek Douglas oversees the Office of Civic Engagement, created in 2008 to bring under one umbrella community affairs, and local and state government relations while expanding the University’s intellectual and cultural engagement with the City.

As President Barack Obama's former senior adviser on urban policy, Douglas joined the University in January 2012 to lead the institution’s continuing efforts to act in partnership with its city, region and the nation.

He works with University leadership on initiatives such as the efforts underway to catalyze retail development on 53rd Street and other key areas, overseeing the University’s many economic development partnerships.

Working with the faculty and local officials, he helps facilitate research connections between the University and the City and surrounding region. He will continue to build the University’s relationships with South Side communities and organizations. Douglas will also work with faculty members and University officials to promote and project efforts already underway that bring analysis and application together on matters of broad interest to the community.

5801 South Ellis Ave., Room 617
773.702.3627

Sonya Malunda is responsible for managing the development and implementation of a strategic set of quality of life initiatives focused on public education, workforce development, community enhancement, research, and other opportunities for advancing south-side and broader urban agendas.

She also oversees all of the Office of Civic Engagement’s educational outreach programs, including Collegiate Scholars, College Bridge, the Office of Special Programs, and more.

Administration Building, Suite 628
773.702.4568

Mary Ellen Angelucci is the executive assistant to Vice President Derek Douglas. In addition, she works closely with the department's Senior Associate Vice President, Directors and extended staff.

Administration Building, Suite 617
773.702.6815

Rudy Nimocks spends most of his time working to establish collaboratives between the University and the contiguous communities around it. These partnerships may include coordinating University students working as interns with community groups, facilitating access to University facilities for youths, or serving on Boards or Committees of non-profit organizations.

1511 E. 53rd St.
773.324.6926

Ellen Sahli, a veteran of Chicago city government and a senior leader on a range of City Hall initiatives, joined the office in March 2011. Ellen manages a portfolio of public projects, focusing on those with building impact on or close to campus. The University’s volume of construction and planning activity requires us to work closely with facilities' colleagues and others to address a range of government processes, from permitting to zoning, and to carefully communicate with those in the community affected by our work. Ellen oversees this important and complex coordination with the City, neighbors, aldermen, and other concerned parties.

Administration Building, Suite 615
773.702.6422

DoVetta McKee implements and manages TRiO funded pre-college programs that provide high school students with academic, cultural, and recreational activities that support their preparation for college and career success.

Gates Blake 113
773.702.8288

Kim Ransom is the inaugural director of the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program, a three-year enrichment program committed to preparing promising Chicago Public Schools high school students for admission and success at top-tier colleges and universities. Kim is responsible for building CSP including its student body, organizational structure, programming, financing, development, local/national marketing, admissions, and staffing. Under Kim’s leadership, 246 CSP alumni successfully matriculated into 86 colleges across 26 states.

950 E. 61st St., Room 301
773.702.8288

Shaz Rasul is the director of the Neighborhood Schools Program which has, for over 30 years, connected the University's student body and faculty to over 50 schools, community organizations, and local government offices on the South Side by creating opportunities for collaboration and service.

5525 South Ellis Ave.
773.702.8803

Wendy Walker Williams was named executive director of the South East Chicago Commission (SECC) in early 2010 as the organization began to broaden its geographic scope to include the Woodlawn and Washington Park neighborhoods. She is an experienced city planner who has worked on economic development projects on the South Side and throughout greater Chicago.

The SECC serves as a change agent within the community by working with key stakeholders.

Founded in 1952 by the University of Chicago, the SECC was created to enhance the quality of life in the Hyde Park-South Kenwood area by tracking crime, documenting city ordinance violations, and sharing information of public concern.

1511 East 53rd Street
773.324.6926

Edmond Lee oversees the finances and budget of the various units of the Office of Civic Engagement. He also collaborates with his colleagues on the many special projects undertaken by the Office.

Administration Building, Suite 305-C
773.702.2667

David Guyer serves as the special assistant to the vice president and works on a variety of key strategic projects including special events, research initiatives and long-range planning within the Office of Civic Engagement and with multiple internal and external constituencies.

6030 S. Ellis Ave., Suite 234
773.834.4549

Lisa Ballard is the executive assistant to Senior Associate Vice President Sonya Malunda. She also supports Directors Ellen Sahli and Edmond Lee. Additionally, Lisa provides administrative backup support to the Vice President’s office.

Administration Building, Suite 305-C
773.702.1317