Colgate University has been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation recognizing the University’s continuing commitment to community engagement and partnerships.
This is Colgate’s first time receiving the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement and follows last year’s recognition from the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education as a leading research university. The designation as a research university recognizes colleges and universities that spend at least $2.5 million on research, with Colgate far exceeding the minimum requirements with more than $4 million in research spending during fiscal year 2022–23.
The community engagement application highlighted Colgate’s multidimensional approach of establishing important academic and student life programs to ensure that students develop as engaged citizens at local, regional, and global levels. This includes Colgate’s network of engagement centers, including the Upstate Institute, connecting students and faculty with regional partners across central New York; the Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (COVE) to facilitate both local and global service opportunities; and the Office of Off-Campus Study to enable students to engage meaningfully with communities worldwide.
Colgate’s commitment to community engagement is also demonstrated through its institutional structures and resource allocations. The work of Colgate’s institutes of advanced study — from the Lampert Institute for Civic and Global Affairs’ focus on global issues to the Picker Interdisciplinary Science Institute’s support for collaborative research across multiple disciplines — creates multiple pathways for students and faculty to connect with communities near and far.
“This designation affirms that community engagement is central to Colgate’s mission, underscores our intentional investment in mutually beneficial partnerships, and reflects the depth, reciprocity, and sustained collaboration we share with organizations throughout our region,” said Upstate Institute Director Julie Dudrick, who helped lead the 2026 Carnegie Classification Steering Committee. “We are proud that this recognition highlights not only our commitment to engagement, but the strength of the community relationships that make that work meaningful.”
The application process began in spring 2024, a cross-campus collaboration led by the Carnegie Classification Steering Committee made up of faculty and staff. The committee met throughout last summer and fall, gathering information and data from colleagues and community partners, and submitted the final application to the Carnegie Foundation for review in April 2025. The application included extensive information about Colgate’s history, culture, demographics, and institutional mission, and examples of the many ways the campus collaborates with the surrounding community through programming, research, curriculum, and events.
Colgate is one of 277 institutions recognized by the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, and it was noted in Carnegie’s announcement letter that the “accomplishment is especially noteworthy amid significant federal policy and funding shifts shaping the future of higher education. Applications in this cycle demonstrated how campuses nationwide are deepening partnerships, leveraging community assets, and addressing urgent societal challenges — work your institution has advanced with clarity and distinction. There is much to celebrate, and it is heartening to witness such a strong and growing commitment to community engagement across the sector.”
“As we look ahead, we remain committed to deepening these bonds with our communities through partnerships and responsive engagement,” said Provost and Dean of the Faculty Lesleigh Cushing. “Our future success depends on our ability to be both a trusted local partner and a globally engaged institution. Colgate’s connections and partnerships within the village of Hamilton and surrounding areas have long benefited both students and community members alike. Local residents have access to many of the University’s events and facilities, and we continue to be a major source of volunteers for area nonprofits and emergency services. These partnerships are invaluable, and the University will continue to strengthen these lasting connections in our third century.”
The classification is valid through 2032, and Colgate will gather data for reclassification in 2030 to submit a reclassification application in 2031.
Members of the 2026 Carnegie Classification Steering Committee include Upstate Institute Director Julie Dudrick; Upstate Institute Faculty Director and Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Catherine Cardelús; COVE Director Jeremy Wattles; Associate Vice President for Community Affairs and Auxiliary Services Joanne Borfitz; Associate Dean of the Faculty for Faculty Recruitment and Development and Associate Professor of Theater Christian DuComb; Professor in the University Libraries and Associate University Librarian and Director of Research and Scholarly Initiatives in the University Libraries Josh Finnell; Director of University Grants and Sponsored Research Laura Festine; Co-Director of the Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research and Director of Learning and Applied Innovation Jeff Nugent; W. Bradford Wiley Professor of International Economics Nicole Simpson and Chair, Department of Economics; Assistant Director for Fellowship Advising Meghan Niedt; Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Carolyn Strobel-Larsen; and Stephanie DeVries, communications manager for the institutes of advanced study.