The Jean Ann Fischer Excellence in Community Engagement Award recognizes individuals or teams whose engagement or Extension activities demonstrate meaningful impact beyond the university. Community engagement, as defined by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, is the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their broader communities – local, regional/state, national or global – for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. Many faculty across CEHS are engaged in impactful work with communities, and this award seeks to recognize and celebrate those contributions.
Eligibility:
Any CEHS faculty member(s), including individuals or teams from a college unit, department or program, are eligible. Award application materials may be submitted by a CEHS faculty, staff or administrator.
Selection Criteria:
Those submitting applications should demonstrate a strong record of engagement and opportunity creation with constituencies beyond the university’s stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, administration and alumni). Examples of qualifying activities include, but are not limited to:
- Development of educational programs that extend beyond the university
- Facilitation of university-community partnerships
- Involvement of students in service learning and civic engagement
- Advancement of engaged scholarship
- Outreach to local or regional communities
- Extension program development, delivery or administration
Application Materials:
Please submit the following as a single continuous PDF:
- Two-page statement from the nominee describing their engagement work.
- One-page nomination letter from a CEHS-based nominator.
- One-page letter of support from a community partner.
Amount: $2,000
Nominations due: April 9, 2026