Ole Miss Earns National Recognition for Community Engagement

OXFORD, Miss. – The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized the University of Mississippi for its efforts to support and promote community engagement.

The foundation selected 277 institutions nationwide for the Elective Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a designation that recognizes the work that higher education institutions do in collaboration with their local, regional, national or global community. The classification, which is valid for six years, was last awarded to Ole Miss in 2020.

"Community engagement is central to how we prepare students at the University of Mississippi  – not only for careers, but for lives of purpose and service," said Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for student affairs. "This recognition reflects our commitment to educating engaged citizens and strengthening communities through collaboration, service, and shared learning."

The designation reflects the university's growing emphasis on research, service and outreach designed not just to serve communities, but to work alongside them. From voter engagement and public service programs to scholarships that keep Mississippi students in-state, the university connects academic work with real-world needs.

"This recognition affirms what our community partners, students, faculty and staff experience every day: that community engagement at the University of Mississippi is grounded in relationships, shared learning and mutual benefit," said Castel Sweet, director of community engagement. "Our work is strongest when we listen, collaborate with care and prepare students, faculty and staff to engage responsibly in the places they call home."

The university supports a range of programs that connect students with service, leadership and civic involvement, including the Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement, the Bonner Leaders Program, CEED Scholars and M Partner, among others. More than 70% of the university's 192 offices are directly involved in community engagement.

Every time a student graduates from the university and brings what they have learned back home, it benefits their community, said Cade Smith, assistant vice chancellor for access and community engagement. That is why Ole Miss supports in-state students through programs such as Ole Miss Opportunity, the Luckyday Scholars Program, the Ole Miss 8 Scholarship and the James H. Meredith Community Transformation Award.

"The 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement reclassification is built upon decades of preceding work and reflects the university's public R1 mission and commitment to the citizens of Mississippi and beyond," he said.

"Community engagement makes the mission of UM even more relevant to our students and Mississippians by informing research, enriching teaching and learning, and empowering life-changing service."

Top: Ole Miss students contribute to a community garden during the annual MLK Day of Service. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized the university for its efforts to support and promote community engagement. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services