The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced today that Rhodes College is one of 237 U.S. colleges and universities to receive its 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification. In 2006, Rhodes was one of the first institutions to earn the designation, which elevates an institution’s exceptional commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships with communities. The college again earned the classification in 2015, and the new classification is valid until 2032.
“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation, in a news release. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building useable knowledge, and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students.”
“I am enormously proud of the many ways our students, faculty, and staff engage with our beloved Memphis community on a daily basis and am very thankful to the Carnegie Foundation for this important recognition of our commitment,” said Rhodes College President Jennifer M. Collins.
Becoming a classified institution requires the investment of substantial effort by participating institutions to provide evidence of achieving meaningful outcomes in the lives of their students and communities. Rhodes’ application documented excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement. Individuals from the college work with schools, businesses, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and community residents.
“Community engagement is a hallmark of the Rhodes experience. Rhodes students, faculty, and staff are committed to serving in Memphis and beyond, and it’s truly wonderful for Rhodes to be recognized for this important work,” said Dr. Natalie Person, dean for community engagement at Rhodes.