The UIC Neighborhoods Initiative
Building Partnerships for Stronger Communities
and a Stronger University

Welcome to the University of Illinois at Chicago Neighborhoods Initiative (UICNI)

University of Illinois at Chicago Neighborhoods Initiative (UICNI) represents a diverse network of partnerships between the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) , a land-grant institution, and organizations in the neighborhoods adjacent to UIC or near University sponsored, community based facilities.

UICNI is a major vehicle through which the University fulfills the mission of the Great Cities Commitment with particular emphasis on the engagement of students, faculty and staff in long-term, meaningful relationships with communities.  Through a wide range of activities and across multiple disciplines, the UICNI enlivens the mission of the University by nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships in research, education and service.

UICNI partnerships bring together the expertise, resources and wisdom from the community with that of the university to strengthen the quality of life for all beneficiaries.  These relationships enhance both community and university leadership and organizational capacity.  As neighbors, both entities address matters of mutual interest thereby insuring the effective utilization of the collective resources of both parties. 

These partnerships increase the institutional capacity of UIC to contribute to neighborhood revitalization through teaching, research, and service that focus on measurable improvements in educational outcomes,   health status, economic conditions, physical environment and safety among other important issues.  The UICNI has a campus wide focus that extends to all colleges of the University of Illinois at Chicago .  To facilitate its internal efforts to create strong partnerships, the UICNI supports two offices, one on either side of the East and West UIC campuses.  Each UICNI office has aligned its operations with the colleges, centers and departments most conveniently served through its location.

Cynthia “Cee” Barnes Boyd, PhD,FAAN,
Director,UIC Neighborhoods Initiative, Great Cities Institute, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs&
Assistant Dean Community Health,College of Nursing

West Campus Nancy Tartt Associate Director of Community Engagement UIC Neighborhoods Initiative Division of Community Health (MC 802) University of Illinois at Chicago 845 S. Damen, Suite 506 Chicago IL 60612-7350 Phone: (312) 996-4656 Fax: (312) 996-3848

East Campus
Atanacio “Nacho” Gonzalez
Associate Director, Community &
Economic Development
Great Cities Institute (MC 107)
University of Illinois at Chicago
412 S. Peoria Street, Suite 400
Chicago IL 60607-7067
Phone: (312) 996-8700
Fax: (312) 996-8933

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