Carnegie recognizes university for community engagement
Missouri State selected based on its commitment to public affairs mission
SPRINGFIELD – Due to its strong commitment to a mission in public affairs, Missouri State University was selected for the 2010 Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This classification honors institutions of higher education that exemplify and portray a commitment to community engagement.
“Carnegie’s selection of Missouri State is external confirmation of the university’s commitment to public affairs,” said Elizabeth Strong, associate director for citizenship and service learning and acting director of the study away office. “Equitable partnerships are imperative to positive engagement outcomes for students, faculty, staff and the community. These partnerships have enriched Missouri State, as we have worked alongside Missouri citizens to achieve results that deepen the intellectual and cultural life of the community. Missouri State looks forward to continued community engagement as we nurture authentic, reciprocal partnerships.”
Selection for the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification is based on the alignment of the university’s mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices in such a way that promote community engagement among faculty, staff and students. Institutions elected to participate by submitting required documentation describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community, be it local or beyond. This approach enabled the Foundation to address elements of institutional mission and distinctiveness that are not represented in the national data collected on colleges and universities.
“Through a classification that acknowledges significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement, the Foundation encourages colleges and universities to become more deeply engaged, to improve teaching and learning and to generate socially responsive knowledge to benefit communities,” said Carnegie President Anthony Bryk. “We are very pleased with the movement we are seeing in this direction.”
Missouri State is one of 115 institutions that were added to this classification in 2010, bringing the total to 311. A complete listing is available at www.carnegiefoundation.org.