Robert R. Ulmer is dean of the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. The college is designed to engage a unique collection of interdisciplinary students, faculty, and staff to develop original solutions for producing effective urban communities.

Ulmer’s work on organizational/community renewal informs and predicts why some cities in today’s headlines have struggled to prepare for terrorism and other crises, wrestled to resolve issues of social inequity and race relations, failed to develop useful strategies to support those citizens that are marginalized and disenfranchised, and have been unsuccessful in engaging in meaningful community conversations about how to resolve their unique challenges.

Conversely, his research also illustrates how effective cities can manage conflict well, can develop unique community solutions for their challenges, can be transparent and collaborative in decision making, and can promote inclusivity and engagement throughout urban life.

He has extensive experience putting these ideas into practice having worked with the Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and public and private companies.