UNT Health’s Community Engagement team expands impact across Tarrant County
Annabel Luna-Smith and Jacqueline Arellano with UNT Health students at the Cowtown Marathon Fitness Expo.
UNT Health’s Community Engagement Department is shaping how the university connects with Tarrant County and the surrounding region. Though community outreach, volunteerism and partnerships have long been part of UNT Health’s work, formalizing these efforts into a dedicated department brings a more coordinated and strategic approach.
The department operates within the Division of the Chief of Staff and focuses on three main areas: volunteerism, community partnerships and educational outreach. Its purpose is to provide a central source of support for campus and community collaboration while aligning engagement with UNT Health’s mission and institutional priorities.
Two full-time staff members lead the department. Annabel Luna-Smith champions volunteerism and healthcare partnerships while Jacqueline Arellano leads educational-focused partnerships. Together, they serve as a single point of contact for community engagement, expanding opportunities for students, faculty and community members alike.
Since Oct. 1, 2025, the department has responded to 19 volunteer requests, 35 invitations to community events and four speaking engagements. It also mobilized about 150 volunteers to participate in high-profile activities such as the American Heart Association Heart Walk and the Cowtown Marathon.
The department has strengthened initiatives supporting workforce development and educational access, including a student-led shadowing program in which students worked alongside campus custodial staff, highlighting the essential role they play in supporting a safe and effective health care environment.
UNT Health’s community work recently earned recognition from Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, which named the university a Smart Partner of the Year
By centralizing community engagement, UNT Health is making it easier to connect with the campus and the community. The department represents a deliberate step toward expanding impact and creating more meaningful, mission-aligned partnerships.