The Outreach and Engagement Community Partnership Breakfast is an annual event that celebrates and strengthens the collaborative relationships between The Ohio State University and its community partners.
2026 Community Partnership Breakfast
Friday, November 20 | 8:30-11:15am | Longaberger Alumni House
8:30-9:30 a.m.: Graduate Student Poster Competition
9:30-10 a.m.: Breakfast
10-11:15 a.m.: Program
2026 Program
Housing continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing Columbus and Central Ohio as the region experiences sustained population growth and rising demand for affordable, accessible housing. Communities across the region are working to address issues related to housing affordability, supply, homelessness and neighborhood stability through collaborative partnerships among local government, nonprofit organizations, researchers and community leaders.
We are honored to welcome Michael Wilkos, Vice President, Community Engagement at United Way of Central Ohio, as our keynote speaker. Drawing on his leadership and experience advancing community-based solutions, Michael will provide valuable insights into the housing landscape in Central Ohio and the collaborative efforts underway to create equitable opportunities for residents across the region.
Following the keynote, a distinguished panel of experts will explore the complex challenges and opportunities surrounding housing in Columbus and Central Ohio. Panelists include Katie Calhoun, Associate Professor in the College of Social Work; Steve Skovinsky, Chief System Effectiveness Officer at the Community Shelter Board; Ashley Orr, Assistant Professor in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs; and Rebecca Brown, Housing Resilience Program Manager at the City of Columbus Division of Housing Stability. Together, they will share perspectives from research, policy, community engagement and direct service, offering a multidisciplinary discussion on strategies to strengthen housing access, affordability and stability for individuals and families throughout the region.
About the Community Partnership Breakfast
Now in its second year, the breakfast brings together community organizations, university faculty, staff and students to connect, share successes and explore new opportunities for impactful partnerships that advance Ohio State’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and service to communities across Ohio and beyond.
The program features a keynote address and panel discussion that highlight innovative collaborations and the meaningful outcomes achieved through community-university partnerships. Attendees hear firsthand stories of collective impact, lessons learned and strategies for fostering sustainable engagement that addresses community needs while advancing the university’s commitment to public engagement and community impact.
Prior to the breakfast, Outreach and Engagement hosts its annual Graduate Student Poster Competition, showcasing graduate student scholarship and community-engaged research. This poster session provides an opportunity for emerging scholars to share their work, engage with community partners and university leaders, and demonstrate how research, outreach and engagement contribute to addressing real-world challenges.
Together, these events celebrate the impact of partnership, recognize collaborative achievements, and inspire future opportunities for engagement that create lasting positive change for communities and the university alike.