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Amid the ongoing challenges surrounding public perceptions of higher education, it is essential to acknowledge the vital role of engaged scholarship in fostering positive connections with our communities.
In this context, a new study I conducted with graduate student researcher Larissa Saco provides insights into the motivations that drive UC Davis faculty to engage deeply in public scholarship.
A key takeaway from our work is the necessity for a multilevel approach to faculty support. For example, at the individual level, faculty should have access to clear merit and promotion guidelines, as well as peer mentoring and support networks. On an organizational level, recruitment and retention initiatives should explicitly acknowledge diverse types of scholarship.
Our study revealed that faculty motivations for public scholarship are a result of a complex interplay between individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and public policy influences. Some faculty drew inspiration from personal experiences tied to aspects such as race, ethnicity, education, immigration, income and geography. Others were motivated by a desire to address inequalities such as racism, sexism and poverty, leveraging education and knowledge as tools for change.
These findings emphasize the significance of recognizing engaged scholarship as an equity issue, particularly for faculty from historically excluded groups.
I invite you to delve into the full study for a deeper understanding of the intricate factors influencing faculty motivations in engaged scholarship. It is through studies like these that we can continue to evolve and foster a supportive environment in which our faculty can flourish as public scholars, shaping a more inclusive and impactful future for UC Davis.
In community,
Michael Rios
Vice Provost, Public Scholarship and Engagement
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