{"id":227410,"date":"2026-01-14T17:16:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T22:16:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=227410"},"modified":"2026-01-14T17:16:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T22:16:40","slug":"montclair-earns-carnegie-community-engagement-classification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2026\/01\/14\/montclair-earns-carnegie-community-engagement-classification\/","title":{"rendered":"Montclair Earns Carnegie Community Engagement Classification"},"content":{"rendered":"

Montclair State University has received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification<\/a>, a designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.<\/p>\n

The classification honors an institution\u2019s commitment to community engagement \u2013 which is defined as collaboration and partnership between schools and the larger communities they serve.<\/p>\n

Montclair is one of 230 institutions to be awarded the classification, bringing the total to 277 institutions nationwide that have the designation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Montclair State University, we\u2019re achieving clear, mission-driven goals and demonstrating that universities can pursue a complex set of socially critical objectives without compromise. We are pleased to be recognized again for our commitment to community engagement. This recognition is all the more meaningful, having recently been among the first institutions designated with the Carnegie Foundation\u2019s Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose,\u201d says President Jonathan Koppell. \u201cThis makes us one of four federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Carnegie-classified research institutions to hold both the engagement and public-purpose imprimaturs. I am so proud of the work done by Montclair staff and faculty to demonstrate what it truly means to be a public-serving university.\u201d<\/p>\n

Community Engagement Opportunities at Montclair State University<\/h2>\n

Established by Koppell in 2023, Montclair\u2019s Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships<\/a> oversees the University\u2019s various community engagement initiatives, including its Community Action Nexus<\/a>, public services programs and community-engaged teaching and research opportunities.<\/p>\n

From Paterson One Square Mile<\/a> to The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium<\/a> and countless other initiatives, Montclair is serving the public good throughout New Jersey while creating opportunities for every member of the University to engage with community partners and help to solve their most pressing challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Carnegie elective classification acts as the outward representation of the significant community engagement we know is happening here at Montclair,\u201d says Director of Public Service Programs Krystal Woolston. \u201cPutting together the application, I was so inspired by all of the projects, programs, and initiatives that are happening across both campuses that truly exemplify what it means to live out the public purposes of education serving in and with our local communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

How You Can Get Involved<\/h2>\n

In keeping with Montclair\u2019s mission and in addition to hands-on learning and public service opportunities, all students can take advantage of community engagement programs including:<\/p>\n