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.
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

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.
Access prior editions of our monthly newsletter here
Community Engagement Upcoming EventsAll Events
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Wed 23 Jul
The CREATORs Summer Workshop is a two-day in-person educational program for a small group of facilitators...
For additional information or assistance, contact us at CommunityEngage@etsu.edu