After nearly two decades of service, Sonya Malunda, Senior Associate Vice President for Civic Engagement, will be leaving the University of Chicago, effective September 22, 2017, to become president of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, a consortium of 14 private, liberal arts colleges located in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado.
Since joining the University in 1998, Malunda has played an integral role in UChicago’s engagement with surrounding communities. She led the development and launch of multiple ambitious initiatives designed to improve quality of life for mid-South Side residents.
Malunda began her tenure as the University’s first director of community and government affairs and continued to serve in roles with increasing responsibility, working with University faculty, staff, students, and multiple stakeholders, including elected officials, faith and community leaders, educators, small business entrepreneurs, and other institutions of higher education.
“It has truly been an honor personally and professionally to work and collaborate with so many talented and committed individuals across the city, the South Side, and at the University of Chicago,” Malunda said. “My proudest accomplishment isn’t a single project or program, but our ability to work together, taking collective action to make a transformative impact.”
Among many early accomplishments, Malunda created the University’s employer-assisted housing program (EAHP), helped catalyze the development of the business diversity program, and played a key leadership role in the creation of the Midway Plaisance Redevelopment Plan. She also led the community and local government strategy on many campus and community projects, including the establishment of the University of Chicago Charter School campuses and the redevelopment of 53rd Street in Hyde Park.
In recent years, Malunda has provided strategic leadership on efforts that include the creation of UChicago Promise in partnership with the Office of Admissions; the development of the Civic Leadership Academy in cooperation with University faculty and local government and civic partners; and the planning and execution of a community engagement campaign to help bring the Obama Presidential Center to the South Side, in collaboration with other senior university leaders and community partners. She also has served as co-chair of the Diversity Leadership Council for the past several years. As Senior Associate Vice President for Civic Engagement, Malunda has been responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of OCE.
“Sonya’s numerous contributions are a testament to her keen abilities as a leader, collaborator and facilitator, as well as her passion for education and for the mid-South Side community,” said Derek Douglas, vice president for civic engagement and external affairs. “While we will miss having her as part of our team, her new office will be only a short distance away in downtown Chicago, and I know that she will remain connected to the UChicago community.”
Malunda will become the eighth president of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, effective October 2, 2017.