Ohio State Engages June/July 2026 Newsletter

Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce next years cohort of the Engaged Scholars Academy. In the second year of the program, academy scholars will engage with community partners across central Ohio, learn about community needs and connect with engagement leaders from other Big Ten institutions. We are excited to welcome the new cohort and extend our gratitude to our inaugural cohort of scholars, who will be joining our Engaged Scholar alumni network.

This years Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference will be held in Tennessee this fall. Congratulations to the 19 engaged scholars and practitioners from Ohio State who will be presenting at this years conference, and thank you for sharing your innovative and impactful work with our national peers.

Wishing everyone a wonderful start to the summer!

Sincerely,

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

Ohio State mentors change lives by showing up

PALS (short for the Pride And Life Skills mentoring program) pairs Ohio State students and others with local youth for one hour a week a simple structure that has become a lifeline for kids who need stability, encouragement, and someone who listens without judgment. It is a partnership between The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Mentors, the Marion Family YMCA and Marion City Schools.

2026-27 Engaged Scholars Academy cohort announced

Congratulations to the faculty members selected for the 2026-27 Engaged Scholars Academy. The academy is a one-year, cohort-based leadership and professional development initiative designed for faculty seeking to deepen their practice of engaged scholarship.

Ohio State institute brings high school teachers to campus to guide students career paths

More than 75 Columbus City Schools teachers visited Ohio States campus in June to brainstorm solutions to problems that affect high school students. The teachers campus visit was part of Ohio States STEAMM Rising initiative, a collaboration with the city of Columbus and Columbus City Schools to establish pathways for youth to careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics and medicine (STEAMM).

Ohio State faculty, staff and students to present at Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference

Congratulations to the 19 members of the Ohio State community who have been selected to present at the 2026 Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference, which takes place Oct. 7-8 in Knoxville, Tenn. This year's conference theme is "Changing Lives and Improving Society: Data-Driven Engagement and Innovation."

More community engagement news

• Erase the Space mural unveiled in Whitehall
• Pass the Mic: Risa Pesapane
• Seed grant supports housing stability research
• Ohio State teams with Columbus City Schools to develop Ohios future workforce
• K-12 teachers convene for Chase Centers Declaration of Independence Workshops
• Charis Stanek accepted to 2026-27 Columbus-Athens Schweitzer Fellows

Opportunities

2026 New Faculty Orientation

The 2026 New Faculty Orientation will take place on Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Ohio Union's Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom. New faculty can receive additional support by attending topical workshops in the Faculty Pathways program throughout the academic year. Email Associate Vice Provost Kaprea Johnson at johnson.9545@osu.edu if you have questions or would like more information.

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.

Foster community and teaching excellence as a Faculty FIT mentor

The Drake Institutes New Faculty FIT (Foundation, Impact, and Transformation) program provides a year-long series of coordinated learning opportunities that promote professional development, mentorship and community-building among Ohio State faculty. Since 2016, the FIT program has connected newly hired faculty with a vibrant network of educators who are committed to reflective, evidence-informed teaching.

Registration is open for the 2026 Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference

The 2026 Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) 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.

Outreach and Engagement Practitioners Network at the ESC Conference

The Outreach and Engagement Practitioners Network preconference event invites engagement professionals, scholars and practitioners to reflect on relational practice, community partnership, and shared power. This year's workshop will take place on Oct. 5-6 before the Engagement Scholarship Consortium conference in Knoxville, Tenn.

Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) Conference registration now open

The CUMU Conference, Nov. 8-11 in Houston, is the place where campus and community leaders come together to share ideas, reconnect with colleagues and leave energized for the work ahead. Its small enough to see familiar faces and large enough to spark new connections, ideas, and momentum. Registration is now open. Ohio State is a member of CUMU.

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.

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