25th Anniversary Badge

25 Years of Purdue Engagement

Celebrating a quarter century of advancing community engagement, scholarship, and impact through Purdue University's Office of Engagement.

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  1. 1990

    Scholarship Reconsidered Published

    Ernest Boyer's landmark work reframed faculty scholarship to include teaching, integration, and application—laying the intellectual foundation for engaged scholarship.

  2. 1999

    Kellogg Commission – Returning to Our Roots

    The Kellogg Commission urged public universities to reaffirm engagement as a core mission, strongly influencing Purdue's future Office of Engagement.

  3. 2001

    Office of Engagement Established

    Purdue President Martin Jischke formally established the Office of Engagement, institutionalizing community engagement across the university.

  4. 2002

    Indianapolis Office of Engagement Launched

    Purdue expanded its engagement footprint to Indianapolis, strengthening regional economic and community partnerships.

  5. 2003

    Service-Learning Program Initiated

    Purdue launched its service-learning program to integrate academic learning with community partnerships, enhancing student learning while addressing real-world needs.

  6. 2004

    Engagement Council Established

    Purdue established the Engagement Council, a broad-based group of staff and faculty advancing university partnerships globally.

  7. 2005

    Purdue Center for Regional Development

    The Center for Regional Development was launched to support Indiana's regional economic growth through applied research and partnerships.

  8. 2006

    WIRED & I‑STEM Resource Network

    Purdue advanced statewide engagement through WIRED initiatives and the I‑STEM Resource Network, enhancing K‑12 STEM education across Indiana.

  9. 2006

    Engagement Associate Deans Council

    The Engagement Associate Deans Council was created to focus on faculty-related engagement initiatives.

  10. 2008

    Carnegie Engaged University Classification

    Purdue received the Carnegie Foundation's Elective Classification for Community Engagement, recognizing its institutional commitment.

  11. 2011

    Promotion & Tenure Task Force

    A task force was appointed to review and assess Purdue's promotion and tenure guidelines.

  12. 2014

    Scholarship of Engagement Program

    This faculty development program expanded institutional support for the scholarship of engagement and was later expanded systemwide.

  13. 2014

    APLU IEP Designation

    Purdue received the Innovation & Economic Prosperity designation recognizing sustained commitment to economic engagement.

  14. 2014

    Carnegie Re‑designation

    Purdue was redesignated as a Carnegie Engaged University, reaffirming engagement across teaching, research, and service.

  15. 2015

    New Faculty Orientation Engagement

    Engagement became a featured component of new faculty orientation, highlighting available resources and support.

  16. 2016

    Promotion & Tenure Policy Revised

    Purdue revised its Promotion & Tenure policy to better recognize engaged scholarship.

  17. 2016

    Washington Center Award

    Purdue received the Higher Education Civic Engagement Award for leadership and innovation in community engagement.

  18. 2018

    Guidebook & Faculty Development

    The Guidebook was developed to help faculty document and evaluate engaged scholarship for promotion and tenure.

  19. 2021

    Societal Impact Fellows Program

    The SI Fellows program integrated societal impact into grant development and faculty work.

  20. 2023

    APLU CICEP Redesignation

    Purdue received redesignation recognizing leadership in innovation, workforce development, and regional partnerships.

  21. 2023

    College & Community Collaboration Grant

    Purdue received a five‑year, $25M Lilly Endowment grant to support regional community initiatives.

  22. 2026

    Carnegie Engaged University Redesignation

    Purdue was redesignated for the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

  23. 2026

    Connector Ecosystem Established

    The Connector Ecosystem positioned the Office of Engagement as the central hub linking community and economic needs with Purdue resources.

Looking Ahead

For 25 years, Purdue's Office of Engagement has connected knowledge with community needs—strengthening Indiana, advancing scholarship, and creating meaningful societal impact. As engagement continues to evolve, Purdue remains committed to partnerships that shape a stronger future. Learn more about Purdue's Office of Engagement.