~ Nine out of 12 System institutions now hold this Carnegie elective designation ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—This week, the Carnegie Foundation selected colleges and universities from across the nation for the 2026 Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that highlights an institution’s commitment to community engagement.
Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of North Florida, and the University of South Florida received the 2026 Classification. These institutions join the University of Central Florida and the University of West Florida, which received their Community Engagement Classification in 2024.
“Florida’s public higher education system leads the nation because our focus extends past handing out degrees; our institutions care about their impact on their communities, statewide, and beyond,” said Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine. “From nursing to engineering to aerospace technology, our academic programs are serving students and Floridians through innovative research and experiential learning that solve today’s challenges and prepare tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Under the System’s strategic plan, universities prioritize engaging stakeholders in their communities to elevate student and economic outcomes, and to cultivate prepared and engaged citizens,” said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Recognition through the Community Engagement Classification demonstrates this plan in action, proving that our universities are a comprehensive resource for communities and businesses across the state and serve Floridians in the ways that matter most.”
The Classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education for the past 19 years. A list of all institutions currently holding the Classification can be found here.
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors and a Board-appointed Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. The System comprises 12 universities and more than 431,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has ranked number one in higher education by U.S. News & World Report since the inception of the rankings in 2017, recognized for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.