Carnegie Elective Classification
Building on its impressive civic learning and engagement (CLE) foundation, FHSU was awarded two classifications from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. FHSU is one of 24 institutions and the ONLY institution in Kansas to hold both designations. These honors publicly validate our mission to develop engaged global citizen leaders and recognizes the strong partnerships we have with our local, regional, and global community.
Leadership for Public Purpose - 2024-2030
The Carnegie Foundation’s elective classification for Leadership for Public Purpose was awarded in 2024. Leadership for Public Purpose (LPP) is "defined by a commitment to advancing the betterment of society and promoting the dignity and general welfare of all its members. LPP is reflected in coordinated institutional practices that enhance the development of ethical leadership capacity among all stakeholders in service of the collective public good. Further, LPP can be manifest in all realms of society, such as public and nonprofit institutions, neighborhood and community life, professional associations, private businesses, civil and government institutions, and religious organizations" (ACE, 2026).
This classification acknowledges FHSU’s focus on leadership development for faculty, staff, and students; commitment to tackling complex societal issues; and deep understanding of leadership as a public good.
Community Engagement - 2026-2032
FHSU was awarded the Community Engagement elective classification in 2026. Community engagement is described as "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 and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good" (ACE, 2026).
This classification recognizes FHSU's deep commitment to partnership and reciprocity—the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources between our university and the communities we serve and their ongoing commitment to engaging with FHSU for teaching and learning, research and scholarly activity, and outreach and engagement.
About Carnegie Elective Classifications
The Leadership for Public Purpose and Community Engagement Classifications are elective and institutional classifications granted by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement Teaching administered by the American Council on Education. The application processes at FHSU are guided by Civic Learning and Engagement. To maintain these classifications, FHSU may submit reclassification applications at the end of the award cycle for each designation.