The University's Office for Public Engagement administers public engagement awards that recognize the breadth and depth of community-engaged research, teaching, and service across the University system. The 2026 recipients will be honored for their outstanding publicly engaged work at the U of M Public Engagement Conference on Tuesday, March 3.
"These awardees represent truly exemplary university-community partnerships across research, teaching, and outreach that make real differences in society. We are honored to recognize their contributions to community-engaged scholarship!" said Laurie Van Egeren, Vice Provost for Public Engagement.
Exemplary University-Community Partnership Award
This award recognizes one project/program annually for an exemplary community-university partnership that embodies the University of Minnesota’s definition of public engagement.
Duluth Center for Women and Children’s (DCWC) Nourish program with Dr. Aparna Katre, Associate Professor of Cultural Entrepreneurship and Interdisciplinary Studies and Acting Director of DCWC, University of Minnesota Duluth. Watch the video.
Exemplary Community-Engaged Professional Award
This award recognizes an individual staff member for an exemplary community-engaged program or project.
Ishmail Malik Holt-Shabazz, Director of Neighborhood Leadership and Organizing, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Watch the video.
Societal Impact Award
This award recognizes an individual researcher, a collaboration among individuals, or a particular research project or program for exemplary academically-based community-engaged service and outreach.
Robert Blair, Professor, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, College of Food Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Watch the video.
Community-Engaged Scholar Awards:
Research and Creative Activities: Jessica Hanson, Interim Department Head and Associate Professor, Department of Applied Human Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth. Watch the video.
Teaching and Learning: Lauren Bernstein, Assistant professor of Community Medicine, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Watch the video.
Early Career: Manka Nkimbeng, assistant professor, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Watch the video.
Graduate Student: Miguel Quiñones, graduate student, Family Social Science, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Watch the video.
Undergraduate Student: Connor Pederson, undergraduate, Department of Finance, University of Minnesota Duluth. Watch the video.