About Us

The University of Dayton's Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, led by Nancy McHugh, Ph.D., Executive Director, operates the Urban Research Initiative.  The initiative also includes Amy Jomantas, M.S., serving as the Director of the Urban Research Initiative, who is tasked with research, solution generation, and implementation planning on issues brought to the Initiative by the Dayton City Manager. 

This role is supported by an advisory board made of University of Dayton faculty and staff, with relevant expertise, who serve as thought and practice partners as well as a clearinghouse of ideas and actions for the Initiative.  

The director will work with a graduate assistant or an advanced undergraduate intern(s) who assist in moving project-related items forward. This role would include research, writing, meeting with community partners and city officials, helping with organizational aspects of the advisory board, dissemination of reports and other relevant information. 

Thank you to our Donor

The Fitz Center for Leadership in Community is grateful to our donor for the generous gift that made the Urban Research Initiative possible.  This foundational gift led to the partnership with the City of Dayton's City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and other key staff.  This donation also allowed for the development of a curriculum for training nonprofit staff, neighborhood leadership, students, and the community.