he University of Georgia has received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that highlights an institution’s commitment to community engagement.

The community engagement classification, which institutions retain for six years, recognizes a comprehensive, institution-wide commitment to mutually beneficial community-university partnerships that address critical community needs. Following a multiyear self-study and review process, the university’s classification signifies a strategic focus on using teaching, research and service to power innovation and solve challenges.

“This prestigious recognition reflects the University of Georgia’s unwavering commitment to serving Georgia as its flagship institution and preparing students to lead in a global society,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Community engagement is embedded in our land-grant and sea-grant identity, and I am grateful for the continued efforts of our faculty, staff and students as they prioritize the needs of citizens throughout our state and beyond.”

The Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for recognition of institutional commitment to community engagement for over 20 years. UGA first earned the designation in 2010 and has held the classification since then. This latest recognition adds to that legacy and underscores the university’s sustained excellence in building partnerships that are reciprocal, impactful and integrated into academic life for faculty and students.

The classification submission highlighted examples ranging from expanding access to health care to growing community economic development. The Clarke Middle Health Center offers an innovative service-learning and practicum clinic site for medical, law and social work students working collectively to close gaps in health care for school district students, families and staff. 

Another example is the UGA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, in which student volunteers in financial planning, accounting and social work provide income tax assistance and financial education and resources to adults in low-income and rural communities. Through a partnership between UGA Cooperative Extension, local organizations and the IRS, community members have their taxes prepared and filed for free and have opportunities to access financial education resources while students gain real-world experience in tax preparation and education.

“This honor is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and students who bring our land-grant and sea-grant mission to life every day,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “By applying their expertise and energy to collaborative projects, they ensure the University of Georgia remains a vital partner in strengthening communities across our state.”

The classification also highlights curricular opportunities for community engagement including the nearly 300 service-learning courses offered by 60 different academic departments. In academic year 2024-25, more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in service-learning classes, which ranged from applied financial planning in the community to sustainable community food production to criminal justice ethics. Service-learning courses provided over 400,000 service hours translating into community value of more than $12 million. Students and faculty also engage through community-based projects tied to research focus or major.

Sustained collaborations, often through Public Service and Outreach units in partnership with schools and colleges, exemplify how engagement drives economic growth throughout the state. Since 2020, UGA’s Archway Partnership has supported 93 projects in Hart County, engaging nearly 200 students from multiple UGA schools and colleges with an estimated return on investment of $6.8 million for the community. In Thomaston, Georgia, faculty and students collaborated with local leaders to conduct a housing assessment. Engineering students redesigned downtown traffic flow, paving the way for new development and improved safety.

“For communities like Hartwell, having a university that prioritizes community engagement is transformative,” said Jason Ford, Hartwell economic and community development director. “We get to witness UGA’s commitment to Georgia firsthand through our work with the Archway Partnership and other Public Service and Outreach departments. What is really exciting is the nature of our partnership. Hartwell gets to provide a living laboratory for students and faculty to work on real-world projects, and UGA brings the talent, research and support that helps us move ideas to action.”

UGA uses many strategies and initiatives to ensure mutually beneficial and asset-based partnerships. These range from financial support to workspace availability for additional community-engaged research. Since 2022, the Provost’s Office has provided $255,000 in seed grant funding to support projects stemming from the Rural Engagement Workshop for Academic Faculty. Alumni of the program have gone on to receive more than $13.3 million in subsequent funding benefiting community-engaged research projects in rural Georgia. Additionally, the Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Awards provides approximately $40,000 each year to fund partnerships with the local community through grants.

“This classification affirms that the University of Georgia exemplifies what it means to serve the public good,” said Stacy Jones, vice president for public service and outreach. “By transforming knowledge into meaningful action, our faculty, staff and students serve the state of Georgia and help address critical challenges in our state and beyond.”

For more information about UGA’s community engagement efforts, visit outreach.uga.edu.