Office of Community Engagement

Our Commitment

ETSU was created in 1911 to meet the needs of the region and to prepare teachers. The ETSU mission reflects the same role that it has had since its inception: “to improve the quality of life of the people of this region and beyond.”

Defining Community Engagement

Community engagement describes the collaboration between higher education institutions and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in partnership and reciprocity. (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching).

ETSU follows the Carnegie Foundation's definition of Community Engagement. This definition helps guide the work of the Office of Community Engagement and lays a foundation for understanding and communicating engagement work across campus and with community partners.

Go Beyond the Classroom QEP

Carnegie Elective Classification

Community Engagement Awards & Recognitions

Students

Students at ETSU have a myriad of opportunities to engaged in experiential learning opportunities and critical reflection to facilitate an optimal student learning environment to connect classroom content to direct real world experiences.

Engage in the Classroom Influence Change Contribute to Community

Male student in white shirt that reads "ETSU" holds a box of plants while volunteering outdoors.

Male student in blue scrubs works in lab while professor watches.

Faculty and Staff

The Center for Teaching Excellence and the Office of Community Engagement provide a wide array of professional development opportunities for faculty and staff that support Community-Engaged Learning best practices, promote engaged scholarship, and foster mutually beneficial relationships with community partners.

Explore CEL Teaching Strategies
Apply for CEL Course Designation
Connect with Engaged Scholarship
Apply for Funding
Hurricane Helene Recovery Workdays

Community Partners

The Office of Community Engagement is your entry point to form and sustain long-term reciprocal partnerships with ETSU faculty, staff, and students, provide transformative learning experiences for students, respond to identified community needs, and improve the quality of life for the people of our region.

Learn Together Engage with Students

Group of community partners talk around a breakfast table.

Access prior editions of our monthly newsletter here

Community Engagement Upcoming EventsAll Events

Wed 23 Jul

Community-Engaged Learning CREATORs Summer Workshop (2025)
8:00AM ETSU Model Mill

The CREATORs Summer Workshop is a two-day in-person educational program for a small group of facilitators...