About Us
The Center for Community Impact aligns and amplifies the University’s outreach, research, and partnership efforts. The Center serves as a hub for collaboration — scaling local solutions to broader societal challenges and acts as a front door for organizations, students, alumni, and community partners seeking to engage with the University.
Nukhet Sandal
Interim Associate Vice President for Community Impact
Center for Community Impact
Courtney Lefebvre
Associate Director
Center for Community Impact
Student Success
31 Park Place
Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification
Ohio University has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification, an elective designation from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that recognizes institutions with exceptional commitment to community engagement.
“The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification affirms Ohio University’s role as an educational anchor and trusted partner across our region,” said Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “We are proud to work alongside the communities we serve to advance opportunity, strengthen resilience, and build a future rooted in shared purpose and long-term impact.”
The CE Classification represents the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education. Awarded following a rigorous self-study process, this classification has recognized outstanding community engagement for 19 years.
Community Impact Committee
The Center's Community Impact Committee represents all colleges, offices, and campuses to ensure streamlined communication and a strong network to connect students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
- Alden Library: Araba Dawson-Andoh, Outreach, Orientation, African Studies, and Social Sciences Librarian
- College of Arts & Sciences, Rachel Terman, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Julia Paxton, Professor of Economics and Undergraduate Chair
- College of Business: Tanya Hire, Associate Professor of Instruction in the School of Accountancy
- Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts: Wendy Blackwood, Director, Athens Community Music School, Summer Programs Director
- College of Health Sciences and Professions: Rebecca Robison-Miller, Senior Director of Community Relations
- Experiential Learning: Courtney Kessel, Director of Experiential Curriculum Integration
- Division of Student Affairs: Nikki Ohms, Director, Conference Services, Holly Seckinger, Executive Director of Employer Engagement and Megan Vogel, Chief of Staff, VP of Student Affairs
- Graduate College: Greg Newton, Interim Associate Dean
- Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education: Connie Patterson, Associate Dean for Academic Engagement and Outreach
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine: Sherri Oliver, Executive Director, Community Health Programs and Area Health Education Center
- Office of Global Affairs: Cat Cutcher, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs
- OHIO Honors College: Geoff Buckley, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Director of Experiential Education
- Office of Sustainability: Sam Crowl, Associate Director
- Regional Higher Education: Carissa Anderson, Associate Dean of Regional Higher Education
- Russ College of Engineering and Technology: Paula Linscott, Assistant Dean for Student Services
- Scripps College of Communication: Brian Plow, Associate Professor and Andie Walla, Assistant Professor
- University College: Sara Hartman, Associate Professor
Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service: Faith Knutsen, Director of Social Innovation and Entreprenueurship
Sign up for the CCI Newsletter
Stay informed of news, opportunities, events, resources and other updates by signing up for our mailing list. The CCI's newsletter is intended to serve both campus and community partners.