The University of Richmond’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement recently named Duane Brown and Faith Walker as community partner-in-residence fellows for the fall semester.

The residency program provides leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors with the time and resources to fuel inquiry, encouraging the exploration of creative solutions and ideas that Richmond change-makers may not have the opportunity to fully consider in their daily work. 

Brown, director of vocational education at Rise Academy (formerly CHAT), will research best practices for providing high school students access to industry-recognized certifications, particularly in Richmond’s East End.

Walker, executive director of RVA Rapid Transit, will study the community benefits of zero-fare transit in Richmond to help advocate for its continuation in the region.

“We are excited to have these two community experts on campus this semester tackling important issues affecting our community,” said Derek Miller, associate director of community-engaged research, scholarship and relationships. “While on campus, they will engage with faculty, staff, and students to share their knowledge, expertise and passion, inviting our community to participate in addressing the problems on which they are working.”