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Nov. 5, 2009
New Director Named for UW-Yakima Valley Community Partnerships Program
Ricardo Valdez has been named Director of the University of Washington-Community Partnerships Yakima Valley program (UW-YVCP). He will work to enhance community partnerships, help in the development of academic programs, and coordinate the overall UW presence in the Yakima Valley.
"We're excited to work with Ricardo in his new leadership position," said David Szatmary, UW Vice Provost for Educational Outreach. "His experience, creativity and innovative spirit will take UW Community Partnerships to a new level."
Valdez has been with UW-YVCP since 2003, previously serving as Associate Director. Prior to that, he served as Program Supervisor for Yakima's Center for Administering Rehabilitation and Employment Services (CARES). Valdez holds an MA in Educational Administration with a state certification in Program Administration through Heritage University and a BA in Business Administration from the University of Washington.
As Director of UW-Community Partnerships, Valdez will continue the UW's partnership based at Heritage University. Among current joint projects: the universities will work together to offer training sessions on the tourism industry to cities and economic development groups in the region. The project is funded by a $600,000 federal grant awarded to Heritage University to promote entrepreneurship and tourism in the Yakima Valley.
About UW-Community Partnerships
UW- Yakima Valley Community Partnerships links diverse communities in the extended Yakima Valley region with the University of Washington to do work of mutual value, forming collaborations that advance research, learning, and the public good. Its work focuses on civic, cultural, economic, education, environment, and health projects that meet community-defined needs.
About University of Washington (UW) Educational Outreach
UW Educational Outreach is the continuing and professional education division of the University of Washington, the nationally recognized public research institution based in Seattle. Helping the schools, colleges, and departments to administer evening master's degrees, certificate programs, distance and online learning, international outreach and English language programs, and more, UWEO is one of the largest and most highly regarded continuing and professional education programs in the U.S. (more information at UW Educational Outreach).