Ivy Ruth Taylor: Bridging Community and Campus in Chapel Hill
CHAPEL HILL, NC – Chapel Hill welcomes a new force for collaboration and innovation: Dr. Ivy Ruth Taylor, a trailblazer in public service and urban planning, steps into her role as UNC’s Community Relations Director. With deep ties to North Carolina and an impressive record of leadership, Dr. Taylor is uniquely positioned to strengthen the bonds between the university and the community it calls home.
A Trailblazing Journey Back to Carolina Roots
Dr. Taylor’s connection to Chapel Hill runs deep. As a UNC alumna with a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning, her passion for community development was sparked here. While at Carolina, she interned in San Antonio, Texas—a pivotal experience that led her to meet her husband, Rodney Taylor, who works in commercial real estate. The couple shares a daughter, Morgan, who is currently a student at Florida A&M University.
From there, Taylor’s journey took her to Texas, where she built an extraordinary career in public service. Her leadership journey accelerated when she joined San Antonio’s city council. In 2014, following President Obama’s appointment of San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the city council unanimously selected Dr. Taylor as his successor, making her the first African American woman to serve as mayor of San Antonio. She later won a citywide election, cementing her transformative leadership position.
A Legacy of Service and Vision
Dr. Taylor’s time as mayor was defined by her dedication to affordable housing, urban planning, and fostering community growth. After completing her doctorate in education at the University of Pennsylvania, she turned her focus to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), serving as president of Rust College in Mississippi for three years.
Despite her impactful work across the country, North Carolina remained close to her heart. “My heart was still in North Carolina,” Dr. Taylor says. With her parents living in Wilmington and her lifelong connection to the Tar Heel State, the opportunity to return and serve as senior advisor to UNC System President Peter Hans was perfectly timed.
Strengthening Community Ties at UNC
Dr. Taylor’s office is based in UNC’s School of Government, where she plans to teach and continue her work on community-building initiatives. “With a background in political leadership and community building, and with the blessing of Chancellor [Lee] Roberts, I’m dedicated to serving Chapel Hill and Orange County by collaborating on key challenges like housing and downtown revitalization,” she explains.
Her vision extends to bridging the university’s resources with the local community, ensuring that more people can benefit from the opportunities UNC offers. Dr. Taylor also highlights her excitement to work with partners like the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor’s Bureau to elevate the area’s appeal and enhance the experience for visitors.
“When I walk around the campus, I still remember what it was like to be a new student here,” she shares. “I love discovering and sharing the community’s treasures.”
Get Involved
Dr. Taylor invites members of the Chapel Hill and UNC communities to collaborate with her on initiatives that benefit the region. To share ideas or connect with her, email irtaylor@sog.unc.edu.
With her wealth of experience and deep roots in the university and the community, Dr. Ivy Ruth Taylor is poised to make an indelible impact in Chapel Hill, bringing people together and paving the way for a brighter future.
This article first appeared in and photos courtesy of Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau‘s Orange Slices.