Beyond the classroom: UAA earns national ‘gold standard’ for community impact

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education officially awarded UAA the prestigious 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.

This is more than just a title; It's a major national recognition with a powerful meaning: UAA is just one of 5% of universities nationwide honored for outstanding community partnership efforts. As the only university in Alaska to hold this distinction, UAA continues to set the standard for community engagement in higher education in our state. This designation demonstrates how faculty and students continue to excel in community partner projects and research that extend beyond classrooms on the Anchorage and community campuses, making a meaningful impact across Alaska.

What is the Carnegie designation?

Debuting in 2006, this classification serves as the "gold standard" for public service in higher education. While many university rankings focus on enrollment or endowments, the Carnegie classification measures purpose.
It's an institutional "seal of approval" that highlights how UAA's work extends beyond our Anchorage and community campus borders, and how we collaborate with local organizations and nonprofits, school districts and industry leaders to solve statewide problems together. Whether it's through the College of Health's Alaska Area Health Education Centers, expanding rural healthcare pathways or College of Business and Public Policy students working with the State of Alaska Department of Revenue supporting victims of fraud or Kenai Peninsula College's Dena'ina Language Institute work with the Kenaitze Tribe, this designation shows UAA has a measurable and positive impact on Alaskan lives.

"This achievement reflects the deep work of our faculty, students, and staff," said Provost Denise Runge. "The 2026 classification recognizes the incredible dedication of our university community to creating mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance our students' education while supporting the communities we serve."

A legacy of leadership

UAA earned this distinction in its inaugural year and has maintained the designation continuously for the past 20 years. This long-standing recognition reflects UAA's enduring commitment to community engagement across the university. To earn this reclassification, UAA faculty and administrators conducted a rigorous self-study to demonstrate how our university's community engagement efforts are woven into every layer of the university's dual mission and academic culture, and extended into the communities we serve through curriculum, programs, and research and creative activities.
"This recognition affirms what we know to be true at UAA, that our strength comes from our connection to the people and communities of Alaska," said Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers. "Community engagement is central to who we are, embedded in our mission and vision and a part of everything we do. Our faculty, staff, students, and community partners work side by side to transform lives, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient future for our state."

Looking ahead

This national distinction remains with UAA until 2032. This seven-year designation coincides with this year's upcoming 25th anniversary of the UAA Center for Community Engagement and Learning. This honor serves as a reminder to our university community, alumni, donors and supporters that UAA is committed to investing in the communities we serve to build a brighter future for Alaska in the decades to come.