East Tennessee State University has earned the Carnegie Foundation's Community Engagement Classification for embedding hands-on, community-engaged learning across disciplines and improving student success.
When ETSU students walk into the Hands On! Discovery Center, they're not just observing. They are problem-solving.
Early childhood education majors design science lessons aligned with museum exhibits. Rehabilitative health sciences students evaluate accessibility for visitors with movement or sensory needs. Digital marketing students analyze the center’s online presence and develop strategies to boost engagement.
It’s the kind of learning that sticks.
And it’s precisely the type of activity that helped East Tennessee State University earn the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Elective Classification, a designation earned by fewer than 400 institutions out of more than 4,000 colleges and universities nationwide.
How does community-engaged learning improve our communities?
Since launching its Community-Engaged Learning initiative in fall 2023, ETSU has developed 93 courses across four colleges that connect classroom learning directly to community-based projects, trained 61 faculty members to lead that work, and enrolled more than 4,000 students in hands-on experiences tied to real community needs.
Students enrolled in community-engaged learning courses have a front row seat to learn about the challenges facing our community and test solutions. Students participating in this type of community engagement exhibit an 85% retention rate – 10 percentage points higher than the university average.
“That retention difference matters,” said Dr. Susan McCracken, ETSU’s vice provost for community engagement. “When students see how their coursework connects to real community needs, they’re more likely to stay engaged with their education, invested in their future, and connected to our community.”
From theory to practice across disciplines
Community-engaged learning at ETSU looks different depending on the discipline, but the principle remains constant: Students apply classroom knowledge to address genuine challenges identified by community partners.
Accounting students prepare tax returns through the VITA program. Nursing students work in community health settings. Spanish majors practice translation and interpretation skills with community partners. Sport and Recreation management students examine corporate social responsibility in athletics.
In just two academic years, enrollment in community-engaged learning courses jumped from 1,144 students to 1,956 students, with 907 students enrolled in fall 2025 alone.
A strategic commitment
Community engagement emerged as a key strategic foundation when ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland convened the Committee for 125 to chart ETSU’s course toward its 125th anniversary in 2036.
“At ETSU, our commitment to serving the region is at the heart of every major decision,” Noland said. “We are the flagship university of Appalachia, and we fly that flag proudly.”
ETSU Provost Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle emphasized that the classification reflects the institution’s culture, not just its programming.
“This recognition validates what our faculty, staff and community partners have built together,” McCorkle said. “It’s a designation that comes from sustained, authentic engagement, not a one-time initiative.”
Building toward ambitious goals
ETSU aims for 50% of first-year students to complete a community-engaged learning experience during their first year and 75% of seniors to have participated before graduation.
The Carnegie Elective Classification, administered through the American Council on Education, is awarded for a seven-year cycle and requires institutions to document community engagement across multiple dimensions, including curricular engagement, research, outreach, partnerships and institutional infrastructure.
Community-engaged learning is just one way ETSU is collaborating with the community to address our region’s needs. To see how students, faculty and partners are strengthening Appalachia every day, readers can explore community-engaged learning at etsu.edu/go-beyond and sign up for ETSU’s e-newsletters highlighting student success, research and regional impact.
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