NEW YORK, August 25, 2022 — Mary Rocco, who served as a Term Assistant Professor of Urban Studies here at the College from 2017 to 2022, has been selected to be the inaugural Director of Engaged Scholarship — a new role in Barnard’s Office of Community Engagement & Inclusion (CEI).
In this newly created position, which she assumed on Monday, Aug. 15, Rocco will draw on her background in academia and her deep expertise in city planning, urban revitalization, and community development to strategically integrate research, teaching, and service into the College’s existing civic engagement efforts. She will work closely with the Director of Community Engagement, the Vice Provost, Barnard faculty, and those who support Sponsored Research, to strengthen partnerships with communities and institutions throughout NYC.
By overseeing research aimed at increasing the College’s community engagement, Rocco will help ensure that the College delivers on President Beilock’s vision of Barnard as “not just in the City of New York,” but “of the City.”
Rocco will consult with faculty, staff, students, and community partners regarding potential research opportunities; initiate and/or facilitate academic-community partnerships using participatory approaches; and deepen Barnard’s commitment to public and engaged scholarship. She will also develop and incubate an Urban Research Center in coordination with the Urban Studies program. By establishing this center, the College aims to facilitate the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas among urban researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across New York City and cities around the globe.
Professor Mary Rocco will help strengthen Barnard’s ties to the surrounding community and promote vitality in our neighborhoods as we reimagine life in big cities.