Augusta University has been recognized for its commitment to community engagement by being named to the 2026 class of institutions earning the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. This designation places Augusta University among a select group of public and private colleges in the United States, including nine from Georgia, that have demonstrated significant collaboration with their local communities.
“The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement affirms what has long defined Augusta University — that deep, meaningful engagement with our community is not just part of our mission, but central to our identity,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “This designation reflects one of the core aspirational imperatives outlined in our Strategic Plan and the shared commitment of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to work that truly makes a difference. I am grateful for the leadership of Tina Baggott; Vanessa White and the Office of Community Engagement; and the many collaborators whose dedication transforms shared purpose into lasting progress. Together, we are strengthening our communities while advancing the mission of Augusta University.”
Earning this classification fulfills a major goal in Augusta University’s Strategic Plan. President Keen described it as a milestone that serves as motivation for continued efforts: “We will continue to build on this momentum, strengthening partnerships and expanding opportunities to serve our communities in transformative ways.”
The application process involved contributions from more than 80 university members and community partners through the AU Community Engagement Leadership Council. This cross-campus committee worked over two years to develop practices supporting both the application and ongoing partnership efforts.
Tina Baggott, interim executive vice president for Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development at Augusta University, said: “Augusta University is honored to be recognized with the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a distinction that affirms our deep and enduring commitment to meaningful, collaborative partnerships across our local, regional and statewide communities.” She added: “This achievement reflects not only the strength of our ongoing engagement initiatives but also the extraordinary dedication of our AU Community Engagement Project Team and AU Community Engagement Leadership Council. Their rigorous work in documenting, assessing, and reflecting on our institutional practices provided significant value, offering new insights, strengthening our alignment with community priorities and enhancing the ways we engage in shared problem-solving. The process has fortified our partnerships and further advanced our mission to serve as a trusted, responsive, and innovative partner in improving the quality of life for the communities we are privileged to serve.”
Augusta University’s involvement extends beyond campus through partnerships with local organizations such as Augusta Utilities and Columbia County Fire Rescue. The university also collaborates on service learning projects with nonprofits while students contribute by creating public art around Augusta.
In education outreach efforts aimed at workforce development—such as annual cybersecurity camps like STEMfest—and health care career exploration programs targeting high school students—AU seeks to address key state needs. The James M. Hull College of Business runs LeadHERship each year to introduce local girls to business concepts.
Health-focused events hosted by AU include Costa Layman Health Fair and Give Kids a Smile Day at its Dental College; other initiatives focus on maternal health through collaborations like Community HUB Augusta or support programs such as Farmacy.
The Jags Jump In program encourages student volunteerism within surrounding neighborhoods. By expanding initiatives related to rural health care delivery or cybersecurity training—and launching new community-centered projects—Augusta University continues its impact across Georgia.
The Carnegie Elective Classification recognizes evidence-based scholarship involving teaching outreach or service activities rooted in strong campus-community relationships rather than serving solely as an award system. Institutions earn this classification after conducting self-assessment processes designed for improvement purposes.
For 2026 there were 237 recipients nationwide—including first-time honorees alongside returning institutions—with representation from both public entities (157) as well as private colleges (80), plus Minority Serving Institutions (81).
“The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement affirms what has long defined Augusta University — that deep, meaningful engagement with our community is not just part of our mission, but central to our identity.”
– Augusta University President Russell T. Keen
