Center for Community Impact joins Division of Research and Creative Activity

As part of Ohio University's ongoing implementation of its Dynamic Strategy, the Center for Community Impact (CCI) has transitioned to the Division of Research and Creative Activity, strengthening the University's ability to connect community engagement, research, creative activity and strategic partnerships to increase OHIO's impact across local, regional and statewide communities.

The transition directly supports the Dynamic Strategy's Engage Pillar, which calls on the University to "create and effectively resource a Center for Community Impact to steward our progress as a national university engaged in addressing challenges in our region and scaling solutions to communities everywhere." Further, the transition bridges the Engage Pillar and Discover Pillar, as the Discover Pillar focuses on applying our discoveries to advance our region, state and our world. Aligning the center with the division increases Ohio University’s ability to build holistic partnerships with greater impact.

As Ohio University's central hub for community engagement, CCI advances reciprocal, mutually beneficial partnerships that connect the University's teaching, research and service missions with community-identified priorities. The center supports community-engaged teaching and scholarship, coordinates strategic partnerships, facilitates experiential learning opportunities, administers engagement tracking and assessment systems, and leads institutional efforts related to the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

"The Center for Community Impact is an important catalyst for connecting the strengths of Ohio University with the needs and opportunities that exist throughout our communities," said Vice President for Research and Creative Activity Eric Muth. "This alignment strengthens our ability to address real-world challenges while expanding opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community partners."

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is a nationally recognized designation that recognizes institutions with a deep commitment to community-engaged teaching, research and service. Through CCI's leadership, Ohio University coordinates institutional efforts related to the classification and continues to foster a culture of engagement across the University.

The realignment positions CCI to advance several priorities identified in the Dynamic Strategy, including strengthening the University's "front door" for community organizations, students, alumni and external partners seeking collaboration; expanding engagement opportunities across the institution; improving systems for tracking and assessing engagement; and supporting experiential learning and strategic partnerships.

"Communities are strongest when universities serve as thoughtful and intentional partners—listening first, coordinating our efforts, and aligning our strengths with community-identified priorities," said Courtney Lefebvre Little, interim executive director of the CCI. "As part of the Division of Research and Creative Activity, the Center for Community Impact is well positioned to connect community priorities with faculty expertise, student learning and collaborative research that creates lasting value for both our communities and Ohio University."

By bringing CCI into the Division of Research and Creative Activity, Ohio University is reinforcing its commitment to serving as a collaborative partner in addressing regional challenges while developing solutions that benefit communities across Ohio and beyond.