t is with mixed emotions to announce that our very own Darbi Jenkins is taking on an exciting new role with Governor Doug Ducey. Later this month, Darbi becomes the new Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the governor’s office.

Government and Community Relations had an opportunity to speak at the Cooperative Extension System’s (CES) annual conference this week. It was a great opportunity to explain our role to this important segment of the University and discuss how our efforts can benefit each other.  

Federal Relations brought Washington to Tucson last week as the UA hosted visits from NASA CFO Jeff DeWit, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-5), and staff from six AZ congressional offices who participated in a Space 101 briefing.

Tucson Primary Election Day is August 27, and registered Democrat voters in the City of Tucson have been mailed their Primary Election ballot. This is a good time to remind all University of Arizona employees and DCCs about political activity policies. 

GCR recently helped coordinate a lunch meeting between President Robbins, Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry, Tucson City Manager Mike Ortega, along with other UA, County, and City leaders.

The Decennial Census is quickly approaching and GCR is leading efforts to be sure the UA has a complete count.  Students and renters are both traditionally hard groups to count, so it will take a well-organized campaign to get the word out about the importance of participating.

On June 20, the University of Arizona was one of nine universities nationwide to receive the inaugural Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education. Founded in 2004, Excelencia in Education is dedicated to creating evidence-based pathways to increasing success of Latinx students in higher education.

The Tohono O’odham Nation had their tribal elections on May 25 to elect new leadership for Nation. Ned Norris, Jr. and Wavalene Saunders are the newly elected Chair and Vice Chair for the Nation. Both were sworn into office on June 14. 

UA delegates met with leaders in Mexico City to discuss current partnerships and future opportunities with the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

The University of Arizona has been invited by Mayor Jenn Daniels of Gilbert, to participate in the Gilbert Advancing Education Leadership Team, an advisory board meant to advance educational and other like goals in the Town of Gilbert.