Oregon State Secures Third Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
Oregon State University (OSU) has achieved its third Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, reaffirming its commitment to community service. This prestigious designation recognizes OSU’s long-standing impact on communities both within Oregon and beyond. It was originally awarded in 2010 and reaffirmed in 2020, with the latest recognition extending through 2026.
OSU’s Commitment to Community Engagement
According to OSU President Jayathi Murthy, the university’s dedication to community engagement shapes its identity as a land-grant institution. She emphasized that creating knowledge and solutions in partnership with communities is integral to OSU’s mission.
The Carnegie Foundation noted OSU’s alignment of mission and leadership, highlighting strong partnerships that effectively address community needs. Marina Denny, associate vice provost for engagement, stated that this classification illustrates how modern land-grant universities can influence society positively.
Strategic Initiatives and Community Impact
OSU’s community engagement is guided by its strategic plan, “Prosperity Widely Shared,” which focuses on enhancing opportunities and solutions for communities. The university’s approach emphasizes integrity and accountability, ensuring that projects meet real-world needs.
- National Recognition: A project led by Leigh Torres from the Marine Mammal Institute received the C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award.
- Collaboration: The award-winning project involved multiple stakeholders, including fishers, environmentalists, and government agencies, to protect whales while maintaining the Dungeness crab fishery.
- Statewide Reach: OSU Extension operates in all 36 Oregon counties, providing research-based information to improve local economies and communities.
Highlighted Community Projects
OSU’s engagement initiatives are showcased in the 2025 Biennial Engagement Report. Some notable projects include:
- Access OSU: This program helps Portland Metro area students overcome barriers to higher education.
- Mexico Study Abroad: OSU faculty led a program where students provided care to 600 animals, fostering community education and cultural exchange.
- Ecampus Collaboration: A partnership with the Technology Association of Oregon offers online scholarships to approximately 90,000 tech employees.
- Klamath River Research: OSU faculty partnered with the Yurok Tribe, integrating Indigenous knowledge with scientific research during dam removal processes.
Moving Forward with Purpose
OSU’s focus on community engagement is part of a larger national trend observed since the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification’s inception in 2006. This ongoing commitment reflects the university’s values and its results—promoting local economies, fostering workforce development, and generating innovative solutions.
The recent recognition, combined with OSU’s prior achievement from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in 2025, underscores the university’s dedication to impactful engagement and educational excellence.
