Collaborations through the UofL Graduate School’s Community Engaged Scholarship Academy (CESA) have supported program evaluation, environmental education, youth advocacy, community health initiatives and more. The academy’s emphasis on reciprocal, respectful partnerships is a major reason it was selected for the 2026 Outstanding Community Engagement Award in the student group category.
Presented annually by UofL’s Office of Community Engagement, this award recognizes faculty, staff, students and community partners who demonstrate exemplary commitment to volunteerism, outreach, partnerships, curricular engagement or community-based research.
CESA also was recognized for its innovative model and measurable impact on both student development and community wellbeing. Through collaborations with organizations across Louisville, CESA strengthens UofL’s mission as a Carnegie Research 1 university dedicated to addressing community needs. It also directly supports the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan by deepening student engaged learning through community engagement that addresses community needs.
Dean Beth Boehm recently accepted the award on behalf of the graduate students enrolled in the 2025-2026 academy. She emphasized the significance of the recognition.
“This award recognizes the Graduate School’s commitment to ensuring our students develop not only as researchers and professionals, but also as engaged scholars in any field of study. The partnerships at the heart of this program have proven communities and universities are stronger when they work together, and we are proud to play a role in helping students develop their potential as engaged scholars. We are particularly proud of this year’s students, whose projects with our partners were collectively the strongest in the now decade-long program’s history,” Boehm said.
CESA, founded by the Graduate School in 2016, introduces students to the principles of community‑engaged scholarship through a yearlong, two-part experience in small teams to codesign research projects with community partners. Students work collaboratively with these partners to address real organizational needs while gaining hands-on experience in community‑centered research.
“This academy was built on the belief that hands-on learning is powerful. The shared impact for both our students and our partners through that exchange is what makes this work so meaningful,” said Michelle Rodems, assistant dean of student success in the Graduate School.
The academy not only equips students with the skills to conduct ethical, collaborative research, it also strengthens UofL’s long-term relationships with community partners across the region. One of these partners, Claude Stephens of Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, has worked closely with graduate students participating in CESA.
“Bernheim’s two years of experience with the Community Engaged Research Academy has allowed us to improve our play experiences at Playcosystem while also helping us understand the value of diverse perspectives regarding research. We look forward to future opportunities to engage with the Community Engaged Scholarship Academy,” Stephens said.
As CESA continues to expand its impact, the academy remains committed to strengthening UofL’s role as a partner in community wellbeing.
Learn more about how CESA is shaping the next generation of engaged scholars.
By Vanessa Karem