North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has received the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, reaffirming its continued commitment to making a meaningful difference within its community.
Bestowed by the American Council on Education (ACE) and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, this prestigious designation follows a rigorous self-study process and reflects NCCU's dedication to serving the public good.
"It is a privilege to see this esteemed recognition renewed, magnifying North Carolina Central University's unwavering dedication to making a real impact through community engagement and service,” said Calleen Herbert, director of community engagement and service. “This honor reflects the collective commitment of our immediate team, leadership, the entire university and our external partners. Together, our village continues to evolve, fearlessly confronting the myriad of challenges that affect the communities we serve."
NCCU joins the ranks of 368 active campuses holding this designation, standing out among the 40 institutions awarded in the 2024 cycle designation. Notably, the university is one of the 22 re-classified institutions that were originally recognized in 2015 or 2020. NCCU received its first designation in 2008. The 2024 class includes 25 public institutions, 15 private institutions, nine minority-serving institutions and three community colleges.
“We recognize these institutions for their exceptional commitment to community engagement, and their work to transform knowledge into meaningful action,” said Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. “They exemplify the true spirit of the Carnegie endorsement and the power of serving the public good.”
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification has been a leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education for the past 19 years. In partnership with ACE, the Carnegie Foundation announced a reimagining of classifications in February 2022 to better reflect institutional diversity and societal impact.
“Now is the opportune moment to pay attention to these recently classified and re-classified institutions, as they dedicate themselves to fortifying their public purpose missions. Let us draw inspiration from their remarkable contributions through community engagement, enhancing both teaching and research, and simultaneously benefiting the wider community,” said Ted Mitchell, president of ACE.
ACE empowers the higher education community, influencing effective public policy and promoting innovative, high-quality practices. Conversely, the Carnegie Foundation is committed to catalyzing transformative change in education, aspiring to guarantee that every student can enjoy a healthy, dignified and fulfilling life.
For more information about the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification designation, visit here.
