2025 News 2026: UMass Dartmouth’s community engagement efforts earn prestigious Carnegie classification

National recognition for University’s community-centered impact

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s extensive community engagement initiatives through the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement have been nationally recognized with the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a distinction earned by less than 5% of all colleges and universities. UMass Dartmouth was chosen for this honor because of its impact on local and regional communities through teaching, research, and service.

UMass Dartmouth met the rigorous criteria established by the Carnegie Elective Classification, administered by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and is among a cohort of institutions nationwide to receive this designation in 2026. 

“This recognition reflects the breadth of collaborative, impact-driven work across our campus,” said Chancellor Mark A. Fuller, Ph.D. “It underscores our commitment to mutual partnerships that address community priorities while enriching academic learning and civic responsibility.” 

The Carnegie community engagement classification involves a comprehensive self-study documenting sustained community partnerships, reciprocal engagement practices, and alignment of institutional mission and resources with community needs. 

“At UMass Dartmouth, community engagement is central to our mission—it's who we are,” said Dr. Kimberly Scott, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. “The Carnegie Classification affirms the powerful work happening in the classroom, across our campus, and in the community.  This work creates new momentum to elevate our public service mission and student impact in the community.”

Highlighted initiatives featured in UMass Dartmouth’s application include:

• Collaborative service-learning courses linking classroom instruction with community needs
• Regional economic and workforce development partnerships with municipal and nonprofit stakeholders
• Public health outreach and research collaborations addressing local health disparities
• Sustainable community projects, including environmental restoration and coastal resilience efforts
• Civic engagement programming centered on student volunteerism and community leadership