Why Community Engagement?

  • Enhances teaching and learning (Boyer, 1996; National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, 2006; Holland, 2001)
  • Promotes student success (Moore & Mendez, 2014; Allen, 2012; Dougherty, et.al., 2013; Kuh, 2008; Brownell & Swaner, 2010; Hearn & Deaton, 2006; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005)
  • Enhances research and scholarship (Boyer, 1996; Barker, 2004)
  • Allows institutions to more effectively serve the public good (Gibson, 2006, Bringle & Hatcher, 2002)
  • Supports the interdisciplinary culture (Brinkley et al., 2012, Baker, 2004)
  • Strengthens legislative financial support for public universities (Weerts, 2014)
  • Has the capacity to increase donations for higher education (Weerts, 2007)
  • Strengthens the relationships between community and universities (Barker, 2004; Blanton, 2007; Bringle & Hatcher, 2002)
  • Promotes civic responsibility (Boyte & Hollander, 1999; Bringle, Games, & Malloy, 1999; Zlotkowski, 1996)


 Last Modified 10/23/23