Ohio State Engages March 2026

Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce our 2026 University Outreach and Engagement Award recipients. This years awards program received a record number of nominations. Congratulations to the recipients, who represent the depth and breadth of excellence in community engaged scholarship occurring across the university. Our 2026 recipients come from a wide variety of disciplines, colleges and units. Thank you for your contribution to the university and commitment to serving communities throughout Ohio.

We are also highlighting some upcoming opportunities in April:

• RSVP soon for this years James F. Patterson Land-Grant University Lecture featuring Kansas State University President Richard H. Linton space is filling up quickly.
• For assistant professors, we have opened our call for applications for the 2026-27 Engaged Scholars Academy.

In addition to our regular updates, I would like to take a moment to congratulate our new president, Ravi Bellamkonda! President Bellamkonda was a transformational leader in OAA as provost, and we are excited to continue to support the universitys land-grant mission and excellence in engaged scholarship under his leadership.

Sincerely,

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

2026 University Outreach and Engagement Award recipients

Congratulations to the 2026 University Outreach and Engagement Award recipients! The awards honor faculty, staff and students for outstanding achievement in producing engaged scholarship and community impact. Awards were given in the following categories: Community Engaged Scholar, Community Engaged Practitioner and Community Engaged Graduate Student.

Register for the 2026 Patterson Land-Grant University Lecture

Registration is open for the 2026 James F. Patterson Land-Grant University Lecture with Kansas State University President Richard Linton! The lecture takes place on April 16. Seating is limited and registration is required by March 31.

Application open 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.

2026 Programs of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship

To support and promote high-impact engaged scholarship, the Office of Outreach and Engagement has instituted a process to certify Programs of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship. The certification process seeks to identify and certify projects annually that demonstrate excellence in community engaged scholarship and meet the criteria of high-impact engaged scholarship. Congratulations to the 2026 Programs of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship!

Creating a place where every child can play

The Legendary Adventure Zone is the first public playground of its kind in Noble County and includes features designed especially for children with sensory processing issues.

More community engagement news

• Community partners essential to Ohio States mission, researchers say
• Arts and Sciences graduate students weave community connections into their work
• Your America in 250 Words: Mianmian Fei
• Ohio State partners with central Ohio schools to advance AI literacy
• New H.O.M.E. Coach visits Martins Ferry, Ohio
• For Dublin students, Ohio State program means more support

Opportunities

Call for proposals: Battelle Engineering, Technology and Human Affairs funding

The Battelle Engineering, Technology and Human Affairs (BETHA) endowment is accepting proposals for its 2026 grant competition through March 27. Administered by ERIK, the BETHA grants seek innovative projects that examine the relationship between science and technology with impact on broader social and cultural issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bigger Than Me: My Story, My Culture

Bigger Than Me: My Story, My Culture is a new childrens book series that nests personal stories within broader family and cultural histories, empowering children who have grown up away from their countries of family origin to connect or reconnect with their cultural heritage. This pilot program is led by Associate Professor Michelle Wibbelsman (Department of Spanish and Portuguese) and Youth Services Manager Julie Perdue at Bexley Public Library. A book launch event will take place on April 12.

Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference call for proposals

The Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) seeks proposals for its 2026 annual conference, "Changing Lives and Improving Society: Data-Driven Engagement and Innovation." The conference will be held Oct. 7-8 in Knoxville, Tenn. Proposals are due March 31.

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.

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.