By Kenya Godette
Old Dominion University has once again been recognized among a select group of institutions nationwide for doing what it does best: connecting research, service and community impact.
For the second time, the University earned national recognition for its community engagement initiatives by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
The University was one of only eight universities in Virginia to receive the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and one of four public Carnegie Research 1 (R1) universities in the state to earn the designation. The recognition places the University among a rare group of institutions nationwide that hold both the R1 and community engagement classifications.
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is reserved for universities that demonstrate excellence and a sustained commitment to partner with their communities to advance research, solve problems and strengthen the regions they serve.
“As an urban R1 institution, our impactful work is rooted in the understanding that engagement with our local, regional, national and global partners is where our mission comes to life,” said Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. “I am proud to say Old Dominion University is thriving for many reasons, including our deep commitment to the communities we serve right here in Coastal Virginia and beyond.”
President Hemphill added, “this national designation is a direct reflection of the daily efforts of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni and supporters!”
The designation called for a comprehensive self-study process that allowed each institution to submit their top community programs for evaluation. At Old Dominion University, this effort was spearheaded by the Office of Community Engagement and University Events with active participation and strong support from across the institution.
Several initiatives distinguished Old Dominion University in this year’s awards, including student-led community service projects, the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, the Coastal Community Design Collaborative and the Old Dominion University Community Care Clinic.
“The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification reflects years of purposeful relationship-building and affirms what we see every day at Old Dominion University: engagement is central to our mission,” said Karen Meier, senior associate vice president for Community Engagement and University Events.
“We value the trust our community partners place in us, knowing real progress comes from shared leadership, mutual respect and sustained collaboration. By listening first, working together and staying committed, we create solutions that strengthen our region and expand opportunitiy for all.”
Student-Athletes Lead with Service Across Hampton Roads
In Fall 2024 alone, student-athletes contributed 5,724 service hours, achieving a 99% participation rate across 50 events. Student-athletes also took part in initiatives that foster positive relationships and meaningful impact through programs, such as Read Across America and Women’s Basketball Education Day in partnership with Norfolk Public Schools, where they annually serve as mentors and role models for K-12 students.
Students have also expanded the Alternative Spring Break program under the Center for Career and Leadership Development. Instead of taking time off, these Monarchs participated in a variety of community service projects across Hampton Roads, like revamping a shower trailer that serves the unhoused population in Norfolk and building oyster cages for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Opening Doors to Hands-On STEM Across Newport News
Another example of community engagement at the University is the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab (iLab) in Newport News, now named the Innovation Lab at the Old Dominion University Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity, which expands STEM resources for K-12 students and community members. A public-private partnership with the City of Newport News and Newport News Shipbuilding, the iLab hosted 961 students and 80 educators from Newport News Public Schools for 40 field trips and events like open houses and back-to school nights in just one year.
But the iLab is not just for children. It welcomes community members of all ages to utilize and learn about its professional grade, state-of-the-art equipment like 3D printers, vinyl cutting machines, lasers and textile technologies.
Community-Driven Solutions for Flood Mitigation
The Coastal Community Design Collaborative, a partnership with Hampton University, started as open conversations about flood-prone areas and community priorities has expanded into a fully funded initiative to mitigate flooding in neighborhoods across Norfolk.
Phase one centered on listening sessions with residents to identify concerns and preferred solutions. Phase two established a community advisory committee that meets quarterly to guide implementation of the plan shaped by community input. From there, the project provided another benefit — economic impact. Participants, including advisory board members, are compensated for their time, ensuring the work remains community-driven and equitable. Since its launch and in partnership with Old Dominion University’s Institute of Coastal Adaptation and Resilience, grant funding for the initiative has nearly doubled, reflecting both its measurable impact and the continued need.
Closing Gaps in Rural Healthcare Access
Another example of the University’s community impact is the award-winning Community Care Clinic, which is coordinated by Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University This initiative addresses gaps in primary care by providing free services to communities with limited access to quality healthcare. With a focus on rural areas, the mobile clinic has partnered with towns, clinics and school systems to offer free medical care, back-to-school physicals for K-12 children, weekly food pantries with shelf-stable healthy foods and even specialty services like dental care. Beyond services, the mobile clinic remains dedicated to returning their patients to primary care services found in traditional health clinics and frequently assists them with insurance enrollment and medical referrals.
Christina LiPuma, director of community engagement in the Office of Community Engagement and University Events, said she hopes community engagement becomes even more deeply embedded in the fabric of the University.
“With time, I hope to hear even more about the work students and faculty are doing each day, and I’m excited to see where our current programs will be in five years.”
The biggest challenge right now, she said, is narrowing down which community engagement projects to put in the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification application — which is an amazing problem to have.
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification underscores a simple but powerful truth: Old Dominion University’s research mission and its responsibility to the region go hand in hand.
As the University continues to grow as an R1 institution, it remains equally committed to growing opportunity, resilience and well-being across the communities it serves.