This fall, I am engaging in substantive conversations with the deans of our 10 schools and colleges, fostering a dialogue that centers on the cultivation of community partnerships and the amplification of our public impact. 

These discussions are paramount as we grapple with the sobering reality illuminated by a recent Gallup Poll, which found confidence in U.S. higher education has fallen from 57% to 36% between 2015 and 2023. This is underscored by a Chronicle of Higher Education survey that found more than 30% of respondents believe universities are doing ‘not so good’ or ‘poorly’ when it comes to developing a well-informed citizenry.

The decline in public confidence underscores a pressing need for us to reflect on our role and response. How can UC Davis demonstrate and showcase the university’s collective impact in the Sacramento region, California and the world? This is a question that demands thoughtful consideration and decisive action.

In this context, our pursuit of Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Reclassification in 2025 is not merely an institutional benchmark; it is a testament to our dedication to redefining the role of a modern land-grant university. The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor is funding this multi-year process to document and assess the impact of community partnerships and engagement activities. The aim is to uplift impactful practices, while identifying areas to improve mutually beneficial and reciprocal community partnerships, student success and faculty public scholarship. 

These investments foreshadow increasing attention to “broader impacts” and “community engagement” as well as calls by elected officials and policymakers for increasing involvement by institutions of higher education to address a myriad of economic, environmental, health and social problems. This is a once in a generation opportunity to leverage the diversity of UC Davis resources and expertise.

Beyond Carnegie Reclassification, these efforts will build the necessary infrastructure and mechanisms for on-going data collection, assessment, and communication of public impact — to boldly go where no university has gone before.

In community,

Michael Rios

Vice Provost, Public Scholarship and Engagement  

The Public Impact Research Initiative (PIRI) was established through Public Scholarship and Engagement to recognize and support research that is cogenerated with community partners, is of mutual benefit, and has a positive public impact. Through this program we provide financial support for new collaborations or sustaining relationships that will support publicly engaged research with non-university partners. Proposals are due January 19, 2024.