Alabama State University has been selected for the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious national recognition that underscores the University’s deep and sustained commitment to serving communities through teaching, research and strategic partnerships.
The designation, jointly administered by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, places Alabama State among just 277 institutions nationwide recognized for exemplary community engagement.
University officials said the recognition reflects Alabama State’s long-standing mission as a public historically Black college and university rooted in access, service and social impact, while also elevating the institution’s national profile during a period of significant transformation in higher education.
“This designation is a tremendous affirmation of the work happening every day at Alabama State University,” said President Quinton T. Ross Jr. “This esteemed honor affirms Alabama State University’s purposeful commitment to community engagement and signals national recognition of the impact created by our faculty, staff and students—work that continues to extend well beyond our campus.”
According to Carnegie officials, Alabama State’s application demonstrated strong alignment among institutional mission, leadership, culture, resources and practices that support meaningful and sustained community engagement. The University provided detailed examples of institutionalized practices that strengthen partnerships, leverage community assets and address pressing societal challenges.
Dr. Tanjula Petty, vice president for Institutional Effectiveness, Strategic Initiatives and Transformation, said the designation was the result of more than a year of collaborative work by a committee composed of ASU faculty and staff members. The group conducted a comprehensive institutional assessment, collected university-wide data, and worked closely with community partners to develop the application.
“This recognition aligns seamlessly with the goals outlined in our Strategic Focus 2030 plan, particularly our emphasis on CommUniversity and transformational impact,” Petty said. “Community engagement is not an add-on at Alabama State; it is embedded in who we are and how we measure success. The Carnegie classification validates our strategy and affirms that our work is advancing both institutional excellence and community well-being.”
The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement is valid through 2032, at which time institutions must seek reclassification to retain their status. University leaders said Alabama State will continue to expand partnerships and initiatives that strengthen economic development, education, health and civic life across Montgomery and beyond.
“This recognition confirms what our communities already know,” Ross said. “Alabama State University is a trusted partner, a catalyst for change and a leader in shaping a more equitable future.”
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Monday, January 12th 2026 at 1:26PM
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