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Engaged Scholars

Engaged Scholars

The 2008 Class of the UNH Engaged Scholars Academy
Standing left to right: Neil Niman (WSBE), Ru Morrison (EOS), Michaela Sabin (UNHM), Julia Peterson (COOP EXT), Malcolm Smith (CHHS/COOP EXT); Seated left to right: Rick Alleva (COOP EXT), Annette Schloss (EOS), Serita Frey (COLSA), Juliette Rogers (COLA) and Joe Salisbury (EOS). Missing from photo: Sarah Kenick (UNHM) and Nivedita Gupta (CEPS).

Engaged Scholars Academy inducts fourth class

Twelve UNH faculty begin semester-long program

Twelve UNH faculty members were inducted into the fourth Engaged Scholars Academy recently during a formal ceremony at Holloway Commons.

This semester's participants represent a wide range of disciplines—from chemistry, engineering, and computer science to economics, Franco-American culture, youth development, family studies, resources economics, natural resources, and beyond.

"We are thrilled to welcome this group of scholars to the academy," says Sharyn Potter, faculty director of the Engaged Scholars Academy and academy alumnus. "They represent the very best in engaged scholarship and will join 48 other faculty members who have graduated from the academy since 2004."

The UNH Engaged Scholars Academy is a semester-long professional development program. Faculty members learn best practices in engaged scholarship through workshops, team projects, coaching, and by interacting with federal and foundation officers. Academy graduates report amplified research opportunities, an expanded capacity to serve the public good, and enrichment of teaching.

Throughout this semester, participants will learn about successful engaged scholarship—that is, how to develop mutually beneficial collaborations with external partners to generate and apply knowledge directly to benefit the public. Framing the curriculum are workshops focused on scholarly outreach, building beneficial partnerships, engagement and philanthropy, identifying funding, and learning from experienced academy alumni. Participants will also hear from federal and foundation program officers, successful faculty peers, and renowned experts in engaged scholarship.

"The UNH Engaged Scholars Academy has become nationally recognized," says Senior Vice Provost Julie E. Williams. "We are the first in the nation to develop this particular type of professional development program." Williams adds that other universities are adopting the academy model and that UNH is helping them translate the model to fit their unique institutional cultures.

"The academy helped me realize the potential for turning my outreach work into scholarship," says Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and academy alumnus Brad Kinsey. "It also gave me a venue for networking with faculty members across many different disciplines," opening his eyes to new opportunities for collaboration.

The Engaged Scholars Academy was developed in 2004 to help fulfill the University's mission to advance excellence in engagement and outreach. Since its inception, 60 faculty members have participated.

"As the program grows in popularity, the learning community expands and avenues open for even greater opportunities," says Potter. Engaged Scholars Academy alumni meet regularly to discuss their work.

"I am grateful to have been selected for this fourth Engaged Scholars Academy," says Juliette Rogers, associate professor of French. "I look forward to learning more about engaged scholarship and how it can help create synergy among my teaching, research, and outreach activities."

2008 UNH Engaged Scholars Faculty Fellows:

For more information about the Engaged Scholars Program, contact Sharyn Potter, Ph.D., faculty director, at (603) 862-1997 or sharyn.potter@unh.edu.