Ohio State Engages April 2026 Newsletter

Colleagues,

We want to thank everyone who joined us for this years James F. Patterson Land-Grant University Lecture featuring Kansas State University President Richard Linton. President Linton presented a compelling vision for the Land-Grant University 3.0. For those who could not join us, you can access the recording of the lecture in this months newsletter.

Our application window is open until May 1 for the 2026-27 Engaged Scholars Academy. We encourage faculty who are interested in an immersive professional development experience with a cohort of peers and community partners to apply. We look forward to reviewing this years applicants!

Sincerely,

Jason Reece
Vice Provost for Engaged Scholarship and
Community Engagement
Office of Academic Affairs

Kansas State president calls for a new land-grant vision with Patterson Lecture

From emerging diseases and natural disasters to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, change in the world is happening faster than ever before. To help communities face these challenges, states flagship universities must adopt a Land-grant 3.0 model to remain relevant. That was the message from Kansas State University President Richard H. Linton at Ohio States 2026 James F. Patterson Land-Grant University Lecture.

Apply by May 1 for the Engaged Scholars Academy

The Engaged Scholars Academy is a one-year, cohort-based leadership and professional development initiative designed for assistant professors seeking to deepen their practice of engaged scholarship. Priority consideration will be given to tenure-track faculty. Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are due May 1.

For Ohioans: Building health, one meal at a time

Across the state, approximately 1.2 million adults are living with diagnosed diabetes, representing about 11.3% of Ohios adult population. The impact extends beyond health alone. Medical costs tied to diabetes are estimated at $11.8 billion, placing a heavy burden on Ohios families, health systems and communities. OSU Extensions Dining with Diabetes program has worked to close that gap.

Community Music School connects students of all backgrounds through music

The Community Music School is a program that provides music instruction to children and adults with various backgrounds and skill levels through private lessons, classes and ensembles. Founded in 2024, the school aims to make music education more accessible to central Ohio residents. Registration for the summer session is open through May 10.

Elders stories are bringing digital models of lost communities to life

Some of the 3D digital models created by researchers to depict lost neighborhoods in Columbus tell a clear story by placing the ghosts of houses that were demolished for freeway construction atop the roadways now occupying that land. But by talking to the people who lived in these communities, scientists are filling in historic gaps that technology cant fill, adding trees, cars, people, photographs and life stories to the digitized infrastructure that was an initial focus of the work.

More community engagement news

• Ohio State urban science center celebrates 25 years
• Engaged Scholars Academy wraps first year
• America 250 at Ohio State: A Legacy of Impact
• Assistant Professors Alfonso Abraham Cervera and Dr. Irvin Manuel Gonzalez to present Nostalgia Pop with Primera Generacin Dance Collective
• Visiting Artists Porte Parole bring documentary theater to Ohio State
• From surprise tax bills to big refunds: Ohio State students guide community through tax season
• The Power of Poetry: Schooled on Poetry Empowers Columbus Students
• Age-Friendly Innovation Center supports livability for people of all ages and abilities

Opportunities

We Grow Scientists event April 29

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences will host the fourth annual We Grow Scientists event on April 29 from 3-7 p.m. at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory. This is a free event open to learners of all ages looking to learn more about STEAM in their community as part of the COSI Science Festival.

Fulbright U.S. Scholar competition now open for 2027-28

With more than 380 awards in over 130 countries, Fulbright provides exceptional opportunities for faculty to advance their research, expand international collaborations, and strengthen the global profile of their academic units. Most award applications are due Sept. 15, and U.S. citizenship is required. The Office of International Affairs offers comprehensive advising, including assistance identifying suitable awards, refining project ideas and preparing strong proposals.

Share your America 250 news and events

As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, Ohio State is proud to contribute to this historic celebration. By combining our land-grant legacy with the America 250 celebration, Ohio State will showcase its reputation as a center for dynamic research and meaningful community involvement. If you have America 250 news or events to share from your area, please send them to us at the link below.

Registration is open for the 2026 Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference

The 2026 Engagement Scholarship Consortium International Conference, "Changing Lives and Improving Society: Data-Driven Engagement and Innovation" will be held Oct. 7-8 in Knoxville, Tenn. ESC 2026 will be a place for engaging conversations about the many ways that we work collaboratively to define and build social and economic prosperity. Ohio State is a member of ESC.

Apply for the Emerging Engagement Scholars Workshop

This intensive professional development program provides advanced doctoral students and early career faculty with background literature, dialogue, mentoring and workshops designed to increase their knowledge and enhance their practice of community-engaged scholarship. This year's workshop will take place on Oct. 5-6 immediately before the Engagement Scholarship Consortium conference in Knoxville, Tenn.

Professional development opportunities from the Engagement Scholarship Consortium

The Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) offers webinars and online professional development, as well as networking opportunities for faculty, practitioners, graduate students and university leaders throughout the year. These opportunities are offered exclusively to individuals affiliated with ESC member institutions, including Ohio State.

Explore Campus Compact programs

Through Campus Compact's programs, you have an entire nationwide network at your fingertips. Gain access to valuable information, practical tools and the latest research that you need to move forward locally and across the country. Ohio State is a member of Campus Compact.

Follow the Office of Outreach and Engagement on LinkedIn

The Office of Outreach and Engagement is now on LinkedIn! Follow us to stay informed about news and updates.

Make connections with the Outreach and Engagement listserv

Did you know you can connect with colleagues through the Outreach and Engagement listserv? You can share your work and events, look for partnerships and much more by emailing the list at outreach@lists.osu.edu.