SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama State University has been selected for the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious national designation recognizing institutions that demonstrate deep, sustained commitments to serving communities through teaching, research and strategic partnerships.
The classification, jointly administered by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, places Alabama State among 277 colleges and universities nationwide recognized for exemplary community engagement.
University leaders said the designation reflects ASU’s long-standing mission as a public historically Black college and university rooted in access, service and social impact, while also elevating the institution’s national profile during a period of rapid change in higher education.
“This designation is a tremendous affirmation of the work happening every day at Alabama State University,” President Quinton T. Ross Jr. said. “This esteemed honor affirms Alabama State University’s purposeful commitment to community engagement and signals national recognition of the impact created by our faculty, staff and students—work that continues to extend well beyond our campus.”
According to Carnegie officials, ASU’s application demonstrated strong alignment between its mission, leadership, culture and institutional practices that support meaningful and sustained community engagement. The university provided detailed examples of long-term partnerships that leverage community strengths and address pressing social challenges.
Dr. Tanjula Petty, vice president for Institutional Effectiveness, Strategic Initiatives and Transformation, said the recognition followed more than a year of collaborative work by a committee of faculty and staff. The group conducted a comprehensive assessment, gathered university-wide data and worked closely with community partners.
“This recognition aligns seamlessly with our Strategic Focus 2030 plan,” Petty said. “Community engagement is not an add-on at Alabama State—it is embedded in who we are and how we define success.”
The Carnegie classification is valid through 2032, when institutions must apply for reclassification. University leaders said ASU will continue expanding initiatives that strengthen economic development, education, health and civic life across Montgomery and beyond.
“This recognition confirms what our communities already know,” Ross said. “Alabama State University is a trusted partner and a catalyst for change.”