Awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the elective classification recognizes Quinnipiac among 237 U.S. higher education institutions selected for the 2026 cycle. Since 2006, the Carnegie classification has been a leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education.

The designation demonstrates Quinnipiac’s ongoing mission to partner and collaborate with its communities by leveraging university knowledge and resources to contribute to the public good. 

Annalisa Zinn, vice president for academic innovation and effectiveness, said earning the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement is a powerful affirmation of Quinnipiac’s collective commitment to meaningful, reciprocal engagement with its communities.

“This is a university-wide achievement that reflects years of intentional work by faculty, staff, students, and community partners who share a belief that higher education has both an academic and a civic responsibility,” Zinn said.

Zinn noted one of the most meaningful aspects of this classification is what it represents for student learning.

“Through community health programs, service-learning, community-based research, and civic engagement initiatives, Quinnipiac students apply their knowledge in ways that deepen learning, build professional competencies, and foster a strong sense of social responsibility,” said Zinn. 

Vice President for Strategy and Community Relations and Chief of Staff Bethany Zemba said Quinnipiac is honored and excited to be included in the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.

"At Quinnipiac, we passionately care about our community and believe everyone should feel welcome and valued. This recognition reflects our strong alignment of mission, leadership, values and resources in support of meaningful, reciprocal community engagement — work that addresses pressing societal challenges and contributes to the public good,” Zemba
said.

Zemba said the recognition also celebrates the deep collaboration Quinnipiac shares with its sister towns of Hamden and North Haven. 

“We are grateful to Mayor Adam Sendroff and First Selectman Mike Freda, whose consistent support and partnership continue to strengthen and elevate our shared work. Our long-standing partnerships allow our students, faculty and staff to work alongside community leaders to strengthen shared outcomes and advance the well-being of our neighbors,” said Zemba. 

Just as importantly, these partnerships offer Quinnipiac students invaluable
opportunities to grow, Zemba said. 

“Through service, our students not only make a positive impact, but also gain experiences that shape their learning, leadership, and future pathways. They are developing real-world skills, expanding their perspectives, building empathy, and deepening their sense of purpose as engaged citizens,” said Zemba. 

Provost Debra Liebowitz said earning the 2026 Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement affirms Quinnipiac’s deep and sustained commitment to having a measurable impact beyond the campus.

“This recognition reflects the daily work of our faculty, staff and students work that strengthens learning, supports our region and advances the public good,” said Liebowitz. “This designation underscores that community engagement isn’t an initiative at Quinnipiac, it’s embedded in who we are. Creating opportunities for our students to make a difference is, indeed, a vital part of their learning and one reason they are so well-prepared for their
careers.”