Influences on the Commitment to and Focus of Community Engagement at Colleges and Universities

• In Event: Crossing Institutional Boundaries: Collaborations Between Higher Education and Other Sectors

Abstract

The paper investigates the external and internal influences that may impact an institution’s commitment to community engagement, particularly why and how a college or university responds to community needs. The comparative study juxtaposes community engagement in four very distinct institutions within the state of Arkansas. It is the first known qualitative study that examines community engagement from the perspective of campus leadership, faculty, staff and students and includes a diverse sample of institutions including historically Black, religiously affiliated, state supported, private, selective, open-enrollment, rural and urban.
The purpose of the study is to better understand the important role that higher education has in solving societal problems and how colleges and universities can become effective community partners.

Authors

• Melissa McIlroy Hawkins, Consultant

• Gregory Barrett, University of Arkansas at Little Rock