UNH receives the Carnegie Community Engagement ClassificatioN.
The University of New Hampshire has been chosen as one of 40 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in recognition of its “institutional commitment to community engagement.”
The elective designation was announced by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution, which is then assessed by a national review committee.
“This recognition highlights our commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships with our local and global communities, and actively engaging in service learning, engaged scholarship and engaged research activities,” says Kenneth La Valley, vice provost of university outreach and engagement and director of UNH Extension.
The Community Engagement Classification is an elective and institutional classification granted by the Carnegie Foundation. The University of New Hampshire engaged in an institutional self-reflection process to collect community engagement data and document engaged work across:
- Teaching and learning
- Research and scholarship
- Outreach and engagement
The outcome of this process is an "evidence-based" documentation of community engaged practices statewide. This documentation serves as a self-assessment tool and a catalyst for quality improvements in community engaged work.
Carnegie Definition of Community Engagement
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching defines community engagement as the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local,regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial creation and exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
The purpose of community engagement is the partnership (of knowledge and resources) between colleges and universities and the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
Carnegie defines Community Engagement as the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
Engaging with our community is key to UNH's mission to Embrace NH. This prestigious Carnegie Classification is especially meaningful because it recognizes the ongoing collective efforts made by our students, faculty, staff and leadership to connect with and positively impact our state, region, and the nation.
Project Leadership
Kenneth La Valley, Vice-Provost University Outreach and Engagement; Director, UNH Extension
Project Management
Pamela Doherty, Outreach and Engagement
Committee Leaders
- Thomas Cronin, Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs
- Charlie French, Extension Program Team Leader
- Catherine Leach, Director of Youth Programs
Committee members
- Keely Ames, Educational Program Coordinator
- Jennifer Andrews, Project Director, UNH Sustainability Institute
- Evan Beals, Assistant Director of Admissions
- Elizabeth Gray, NH SBDC, State Director
- Joanna Gyory, Lecturer, CHHS, Health Management & Policy
- Emma Joyce, Communication Information Specialist
- Meredith O’Shea, Project Director, CHHS, Early Childhood Initiative
- Josephine Porter, Consultant, CHHS, Institute for Health Policy and Practice
- Victoria Rappeport, Senior Administrative Assistant
- Colin Shank, Associate Athletic Director
- Jamie Silverstein, Director, Off Campus Engagement and Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Michael Thompson, Director, Research and Large Center Development
Read the full submitted application (PDF)
Thank you to all who participated in this process. The Carnegie classification team appreciates your time and efforts and your dedication to serving our communities and fulfilling our commitment to community engagement.
