Vernette Doty directs the new Community Engagement Center at the University of California, Merced where she supports both academic community-based learning and co-curricular community engagement for the rapidly growing campus. Her goal is to build strong, reciprocal partnerships that develop student civic leaders and contribute to positive social change, strengthening the bridge between campus and the local community. Additionally, Vernette manages the Basic Needs Security team that runs the on-campus food pantry, a monthly UC Merced/USDA community food distribution, CalFresh outreach and other Basic Needs Security programs that strive to meet the needs of students.