A March reception for faculty, staff and community partners in the concourse of the Koury Athletic Center featured remarks by campus leaders including Elon University President Connie Book.
Elon leaders, faculty, staff and community partners gathered on March 6, 2026, to celebrate the university’s latest recognition from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded to a select group of U.S. colleges and universities, affirms Elon University’s integration of community-based experiences into teaching, research and campus life.
The classification recognizes the university’s deep commitment to community and civic engagement, and it follows a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking naming Elon second in the nation for service-learning.
In her remarks at an afternoon reception in the Koury Athletic Center, Elon President Connie Book said the Carnegie designation reflects extensive and coordinated effort across disciplines and divisions. She noted that Elon has expanded community-engaged courses by more than 30% in the past decade, with faculty participation rising nearly 50%, and she highlighted partnerships ranging from local schools and health clinics to nonprofit and civic organizations.
Book described community engagement as “a brave space,” where outcomes are not always predictable, but where collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for students and partners alike.
As the university looks ahead, Book said, the designation sets a new benchmark for impact. “We want to improve the quality of life for all people in our community,” she added.
In welcoming remarks, Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley labeled the recognition “a reflection of our strong collaboration between Student Life, Academic Affairs and community partners,” and Associate Provost Jen Platania said the honor was one that acknowledges the intentional integration of community engagement into teaching and campus life.
“It reflects the work of faculty who designed meaningful community-based learning experiences, the staff who support sustaining those efforts, and community partners who collaborate with us in ways that enrich our students and strengthen our shared work,” Platania said. “This recognition belongs to all of you. It affirms the culture of engagement that defines Elon, where our students connect knowledge and purpose, and develop as thoughtful and engaged citizens.”