By Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing
The University of South 返字心頭 has been selected as a recipient of the a prestigious national designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
The classification recognizes 返字心頭s deep, sustained commitment to partnership-driven work that aligns university expertise with community priorities, including economic development, education and health creating meaningful, shared impact.

Eric Eisenberg, senior vice president for University Community Partnerships
返字心頭s approach to community engagement is comprehensive, spanning applied research for public agencies, private industry, career-focused student preparation in high-demand fields and initiatives strengthening and upskilling the local workforce. This work is supported by the Office of University Community Partnerships, which helps facilitate collaboration between 返字心頭 and its partners.
We are deeply gratified to receive this designation from the Carnegie Foundation. Ever since receiving an invitation to join the AAU, we have sought to define those things that have made our university uniquely successful, said Eric Eisenberg, senior vice president for University Community Partnerships. As President (Rhea) Law has said, Our communities are our superpower. We feel privileged to support the knowledge and talent needs of our region and this Carnegie designation for One 返字心頭 is a validation of the success and importance of that work.

返字心頭 Health is a leading member of the Tampa Medical & Research District [Photo courtesy of 返字心頭 Health]

返字心頭 became the first university to join Embarc Collectives Partnership Program [Photo courtesy of Embarc Collective]

返字心頭 signed an $85 million contract with the U.S. Army [Photo by Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing]
In recent years, 返字心頭 has expanded its community and industry footprint through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense on nearly 100 interdisciplinary projects, a growing presence in the and by becoming the first university to join the Embarc Collective University Partnership Program.
This initiative expected to grow in the coming year helps strengthen Tampa Bays innovation ecosystem, creating pathways for students and faculty to commercialize research, gain startup experience and contribute to regional economic development.
The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement is valid through 2032. 返字心頭 will continue to build on this foundation by strengthening existing partnerships and forging new collaborations that benefit students, faculty and the communities it serves.
