Texas Southern University has achieved a historic milestone, earning the nationally recognized Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a prestigious designation that highlights universities where community engagement is deeply embedded in research, teaching, service, and institutional practice.

Fewer than 10% of the nearly 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the United States hold the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, placing Texas Southern among an elite group of universities committed to public purpose. The university is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Texas to receive the honor, joining a select category of research-active institutions that also maintain a strong mission-driven focus.

“This designation affirms Texas Southern University’s longstanding commitment to advancing education, research excellence, and societal impact through meaningful community partnerships,” said President J.W. Crawford III. “It reflects the work of faculty, students, staff, and community partners who have collaboratively shaped research, teaching, service, and outreach to address real-world challenges and improve outcomes locally and beyond.”

Unlike Carnegie research classifications, which emphasize research expenditures and doctoral output, the Community Engagement Classification evaluates how universities work with communities through mutually beneficial and reciprocal partnerships. The elective designation requires a rigorous application process, including extensive qualitative and quantitative evidence showing that community engagement is institutionalized, assessed, and sustained.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carl B. Goodman emphasized the impact of these partnerships: “Community engagement at Texas Southern University facilitates reciprocal partnerships that shape teaching, research, and institutional practice. These collaborations add value to the community and affirm our commitment to academic excellence grounded in shared purpose and public impact.”

Texas Southern’s commitment to community engagement is evident across its academic programs:

Culturally Responsive Educators: The College of Education partners with PreK–12 schools to prepare teachers who gain hands-on classroom experience while supporting local schools and families.

Mental Health Access and Workforce Development: In collaboration with Mental Health America of Greater Houston, faculty and students help connect residents to mental health services and host internship fairs for future counseling professionals.

Community-Focused Health Education: Doctor of Pharmacy students participate in service-learning projects that support health initiatives across diverse Houston communities.

Public Service and Professional Practice: Master of Public Administration students complete internships with government and nonprofit agencies, contributing to community development, policy analysis, and program evaluation.

Social Work Internships: Senior social work students complete 450 hours of supervised fieldwork across 16 Houston ZIP codes, expanding access to social services.

Arts, Culture, and Community Storytelling: The English Department partners with organizations like Kindred Stories to host literary events that engage students and the public, amplifying diverse voices.

This recognition further distinguishes Texas Southern as a research-active institution with a mission-driven focus. Combined with its Carnegie R2 (Doctoral University with High Research Activity) status, the university now holds a rare dual designation that positions it as a leader among HBCUs nationwide.

Nationally, the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is increasingly seen as a marker of readiness for federal agencies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations focused on social impact. For Texas Southern, the designation strengthens opportunities for community-engaged research funding while aligning research growth with its institutional mission.