Engaged College Program

In Fall 2024, the Office of Outreach & Engagement launched Texas Tech University's first Engaged College Program to support colleges in advancing community-engaged scholarship in research and teaching.

The program responds to growing interest in engagement and increasing expectations for measurable societal impact. It emphasizes sustainable, reciprocal partnerships and integration into the university’s academic mission.

Program Drivers

• Increased interest among students and faculty in community-engaged work
• Growing demand for university-community partnerships
• Increased requirements from funding agencies
• Demand for measurable societal impact
• Value of institution-wide engagement strategy
• Alignment with academic and scholarly goals

Now in year two, the program is co-led by Drs. Ersela Kripa and Ann Mastergeorge, associate vice provosts for Outreach & Engagement.

Program Highlights

Collaborating Colleges

• College of Health and Human Sciences
• Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• College of Media and Communications
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts

Purpose

The Engaged College Program supports colleges in integrating engaged scholarship into research and teaching through strategic initiatives.

Key Components

1. Identify teaching and research goals
2. Align engagement with academic goals
3. Develop community partnerships
4. Create strategic action plans
5. Implement initiatives
6. Monitor and evaluate outcomes
7. Align with university strategy

Focus Areas

• Community-engaged curriculum development
• Professional development for faculty
• Strategic planning with partners
• Understanding engaged scholarship principles
• Assessment and benchmarking tools
• Promotion pathways
• Support resources for faculty and students

What Defines an Engaged College

• Uses engagement to achieve academic goals
• Supports high-quality engaged scholarship
• Integrates engagement into coursework
• Encourages collaboration with communities
• Supports promotion pathways
• Addresses societal issues through partnerships

Continued Work

The program has expanded into a second year, focusing on institutionalizing engagement through strategic planning, tenure and promotion, and community partnerships.