Utah Valley University (UVU) is one of more than 230 United States colleges and universities to receive the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The designation highlights an institution’s commitment to community engagement.
“Education can help our communities become more cohesive, caring, and successful. UVU values its local community and commits fully to mutually rewarding partnerships” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. “Through meaningful connections and opportunities to serve in our region, our students gain transformative, real-world experiences that prepare them for success in work and life.”
UVU was recognized for excellence in reciprocal community relationships through internships, project-based learning initiatives, and mentorship. UVU’s dual-mission model provides students course and programs that prepare them for their careers. As Utah’s Silicon Slopes grows, UVU delivers graduates ready to drive innovation.
Additionally, UVU maintains strong relationships with local and regional chambers of commerce, including the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce and Silicon Slopes. Through the UVU Business Resource Center, the Chelsea and Casey Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute, and the Center for Social Impact, UVU provides support through training, incubator spaces, and seed funding for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
UVU also strives to provide engaging learning and networking opportunities for community members and students alike through the UVU Women’s Leadership Summit, the Utah Data Governance Summit, and the UVU Business and Economic Forum.
“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. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building usable knowledge, and catalyzing real-world learning experiences for students.”
The CE Classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution. The classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education for the past 19 years, with classification cycles in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2020, 2024, and 2026. The 2029 cycle will be for first-time applicants. UVU first earned the classification in 2015.
