OMAHA, Neb. – The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has once again earned national recognition, receiving the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification—a prestigious honor acknowledging institutions deeply committed to serving the communities around them.
A Legacy of Partnership
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The designation places UNMC among an elite group of only seven similar academic medical centers in the U.S. with this distinction.
- UNMC first achieved this classification in 2015, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community engagement.
- The renewed classification was announced Monday by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
- A rigorous self-study process confirmed UNMC’s dedication isn’t merely symbolic, but demonstrably embedded in its mission.
- The university’s partnerships in Nebraska are described as “deeply personal” due to their local roots.
This isn’t just about good intentions; it’s about measurable impact. UNMC’s commitment to community engagement is a vital part of its identity, influencing everything from teaching and research to patient care. “Receiving the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is a meaningful recognition of the partnerships that make UNMC stronger,” said H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC interim chancellor. “Our communities are central to our teaching, research and clinical care, and our partnerships in Nebraska are deeply personal because they are rooted in the places where we live and work.”
What Does This Mean for Nebraska?
The Carnegie Foundation emphasizes the crucial role higher education plays in bolstering local economies and fostering innovation. Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation, stated in the national announcement: “Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide. We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building useable knowledge, and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students.”
This classification isn’t a sudden achievement, but the result of years of dedicated effort. In 2016, under the guidance of Dr. Davies, then-senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, UNMC established the UNMC Office of Community Engagement to coordinate and track these initiatives.
A Collaborative Effort
Heidi Keeler, PhD, assistant vice chancellor with the UNMC Office of Community Engagement, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind this success. “This achievement, although led by the UNMC Office of Community Engagement, could not be successful without the support of every person at UNMC who has led or participated in community engaged efforts, as well as our amazing community partners,” she said. “This is for each of you. I want to thank you for your passion and commitment to our community.”
Dr. Davies echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude to the entire UNMC community. “We’re incredibly thankful to our community partners and to our faculty, staff and students for their commitment to each other and to a healthier future for all. I want to especially thank Dr. Keeler and her team in the UNMC Office of Community Engagement for their leadership throughout this entire process and for everything they do every day to foster ongoing collaboration between UNMC and our partners.”
The process involved a detailed self-study, evaluating community engagement across UNMC’s mission, curriculum, programs, and partnerships. Ten key indicators, including reciprocal relationships with community partners and consistent institutional support, were assessed through multiple rounds of peer and expert review. This confirmed that UNMC’s commitment is genuine, measurable, and long-lasting.
Dr. Keeler emphasized the dedication required for effective community engagement. “I could not be prouder of each faculty, staff and student at UNMC. Best-practice community engagement takes time, passion and strength over time. We often celebrate the outcomes of this work, but rarely do we recognize the day-to-day work that is done. To our community collaborators, thank you for your trust.”
She concluded, “The UNMC Office of Community Engagement has been committed to elevating community engagement and growing community presence in all areas of our academic mission. Today we didn’t just reach a milestone — we ignited a legacy.”
