Skafte fills a new role, focused on promoting, supporting, and growing campus-community partnerships.
“At UMD, public engagement is more than community outreach,” said Amy Hietapelto, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at UMD. ”Public engagement is a key element of our mission that is woven into teaching and learning, as well as research, scholarship, and creative activity. Our faculty, staff, and students have always done this work, and Cheryl’s experiences and energy will enhance the campus’ ability to recognize, quantify, and amplify their efforts.”
Prior to UMD, Skafte spent ten years working for the City of Duluth with nearly a decade in other local nonprofits before that, including the Duluth Area Family YMCA, Head of the Lakes United Way, and the Duluth Children’s Museum.
“Public engagement is exciting work,” said Skafte. “There are wonderful and impactful partnerships that are being cultivated. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to serve as a valuable resource and connection point between the campus and Duluth community.”
Members of the community and UMD are encouraged to reach out to Skafte to share engagement experiences that are already happening, or to learn more about how to partner with students, faculty, and staff. She can be reached at 218-726-8038 or [email protected].