Morehead State reclassified as Community Engagement Institution

Morehead State University prioritizes academic excellence, student support, and a welcoming college experience; it also provides multiple opportunities for students to give back through community engagement and service learning.

In recognition of MSU’s commitment to community engagement, American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching reclassified Morehead State as a community engaged institution as part of its 2026 cycle.

MSU is one of 277 institutions recognized for its commitment to community engagement in its mission, leadership, allocation of resources and institutional practices. This classification is valid through 2032 and is the third time MSU has been recognized with a Community Engagement Classification (first received in 2006 and reaffirmed in 2015).

Throughout their academic careers, MSU students can get involved in campus-community partnerships that address the region's needs. These include volunteering in a student organization, completing a service-learning project, or participating in events like MSU's annual March for Service. These are all ways students give back to the community and develop critical thinking, teamwork skills, and professionalism.

"Community engagement is a shared aspiration in which we strive to work collaboratively and in partnership with others," said Andrew Sexton (Class of 2020, 2022), coordinator of service learning. "It was an honor to tell the stories of engagement and compile them together to show MSU's longstanding commitment to service."

In addition to receiving a Community Engagement Classification, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning also named MSU among its Research Colleges and Universities for 2025.

"Morehead State is committed to developing students academically, professionally and personally. Our institution's emphasis on community service events and service-learning provides opportunities for students to give back and make an impact on campus and in the region," said MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan.

"This prestigious Community Engagement Classification, along with our research designation, confirms we are achieving our goals to help our students become exceptional students and better citizens who value serving others and making a difference."

This reclassification is the result of faculty and staff working to include community engagement in the curriculum and activities. Over the last year, Sexton led a committee of MSU faculty and staff to complete a thorough self-study of the University's service learning and community engagement policies and practices and prepare the application for reclassification.

Committee members include:

• Andrew Sexton (Chair), coordinator of service learning
• Dr. Steve Chen, professor of sport management
• Matthew Hyden (Class of 2002, 2004), director of adult and regional education
• Dr. Lucas Lunt, assistant professor of marketing
• Nellie Middleton, grants and contracts administrator
• Professor Steven Middleton (Class of 2004, 2008), senior instructor of mass communication
• Dr. Kimberly Nettleton, director of university assessment
• Melisa Patrick (Class of 1983), director of student activities and programs

To learn more about service-learning opportunities through MSU's Center for Career Development & Experiential Education, email careerservices@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2233.