As we begin a new year, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for all that you do as members of our university community. Let's work together to make this a year of growth, innovation and collaboration.
I am happy to share some exciting news about awards for Associate Professor Liza Grandia and Professor Keith Watenpaugh, both alumni of our Public Scholarship and Engagement faculty programs. They were honored by the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) for research and partnerships with a tangible impact on the daily lives of people in countries such as Guatemala and Lebanon. The full story is linked below. UC Davis now boasts four IARSCLE award winners who have received support from PSE faculty programs — Assistant Professor Clare Cannon and Dr. Katherine Kim received awards in 2022.
I also wish to recognize the commitment to integrating community-engaged research, teaching and service by Professor Lisa Soederberg Miller (story below). Her course, in which UC Davis students taught technology skills to senior citizens, highlights the opportunities for dynamic and engaging education experiences through community engagement. Professor Miller’s efforts remind us of the importance to recognize and value faculty community engagement in multiple ways and at all levels, from departments to the university as a whole. Providing institutional support, such as creating infrastructure and policies that support community engagement, can help increase the number of faculty who make a positive impact in our communities.
In community,
Michael Rios
Vice Provost, Public Scholarship and Engagement