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Apply Texas A&M University-San Antonio has always placed a high importance on the institution’s role as an economic engine on the South Side of San Antonio, as its mission is inclusive of transforming the community.
Under the charge of then President, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, a representative group of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members were assembled as the Carnegie Community Engagement Committee in the spring of 2021. This committee was charged with undergoing reflection, evaluation and revision of processes/procedures that ensure mutually beneficial and reciprocal engagement with our communities. In addition, this committee will lead the collection of documentation, validating the quality and quantity of community engagement activities.
The application process involved data collection and documentation of important aspects of institutional mission, identity and commitments to be used in a process of self-assessment and quality improvement, building on the work that was collect in 2018-2019 when the university completed its first self-evaluation through the Carnegie Classification process.
The committee continued to be active in evaluating and promoting community engagement efforts by faculty, staff, and students, as they work toward submitting the application for designation by April 2025.
Definition of Community Engagement
Texas A&M University-San Antonio has adopted a university-wide definition of community engagement:
Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values, student engagement, and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
The definition is based strongly on the existing, well-respected and supported definition of the Carnegie Foundation, which had already been formally adopted by many institutions across the higher education landscape. Between Summer 2022 and Spring 2023, several representative bodies of the institution reviewed and provided input, and approved the definition for official adoption. These representative bodies included President’s Cabinet, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and the Student Government Association.
Committee Members
The Carnegie Committee is grateful for the service and support from dozens of faculty, staff, students, and community members who have participated in the Carnegie Committee over the past years. Currently, our leadership team consists of the following:
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Dr. Adriana Contreras (Committee Tri-Chair) |
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Engagement and Executive Director of the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement |
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Dr. Wowek (Sean) Kearney (Committee Tri-Chair) |
Professor, Department of Educator & Leadership Preparation |
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Krystina Irvin (Committee Tri-Chair) |
Director of Experiential Learning |
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Dr. Stephanie Black |
Associate Professor, Department of Marketing and Management |
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Dr. Karen Burgard |
Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum & Instruction |
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Dr. Berenice de la Cruz |
Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Health & Kinesiology |
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Dr. Elena Foulis |
Assistant Professor, Department of Literature and Language Arts |