Meet the Inaugural Classified Campuses
2024 Classified Campuses for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose
We are thrilled to congratulate the inaugural recipients of the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose. These distinguished institutions have demonstrated exemplary commitment to fostering public leadership and civic engagement, setting a new standard for higher education's role in serving the public good.
Through innovative programs, dedicated resources, and unwavering support for their communities, these trailblazers are empowering the next generation of leaders to address society's most pressing challenges. Congratulations to these outstanding universities and colleges for their remarkable achievements and for paving the way toward a brighter, more inclusive future.:
- Arizona State University
- Boise State University
- California State University, Fresno
- Claremont McKenna College
- Creighton University
- East Carolina University
- Florida International University
- Fort Hays State University
- Gettysburg College
- James Madison University
- Miami Dade College
- Montclair State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Oral Roberts University
- Rice University
- Saint Peter’s University
- San Antonio College
- Simmons University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Portland
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- United States Naval Academy
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- Valparaiso University
- Wartburg College
2027 Classification Announcement
Institutions selected for the 2027 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose will be announced in February 2027. If you've submitted an Interest Form, you'll be among the first to receive updates as the announcement approaches.
History
In January 2020, the Doerr Institute of New Leaders hosted a working meeting of 30 scholars and practitioners from a broad range of institution types (as categorized by the Basic Classification) to draft an application framework for the new Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose that would be proposed to the Carnegie Foundation. This would follow the Community Engagement Classification with plans for additional elective classifications. During the two-and-a-half-day working meeting scholars and practitioners considered a variety of questions about leadership in higher education. This question was key:
What would an institution that is committed to leadership for public purpose look like, act like, and be like?
Throughout the two and a half days, attendees discussed the practices and principles that demonstrate a level of institutional commitment sufficient for an elective classification. The consortium did this by examining how leadership education, development, and research relate to the public purpose of higher education and how a classification can serve as a catalyst to sectorial improvement.
Meeting attendees agreed that leadership education and development is a core function of U.S. higher education and represents an applicable tangible skillset for furthering civil discourse and public good around the globe. A charrette process allowed participants to advance different perspectives about what might constitute evidence of an institution’s commitment to leadership for public purpose.
The Pilot Process
After concluding the working meeting, a first draft of the application framework was developed using the insights from the group and guidance from the Carnegie Foundation. The next phase of development involved gathering input and reflections on the initial draft from a broad range of stakeholders. After receiving feedback from more than 50 scholars and practitioners, a second draft of the framework was shared with and approved by the Carnegie Foundation.
Thirteen colleges and universities decided to participate in a pilot process in which institutions had to complete self-examinations and submit applications to be evaluated by a core team of reviewers. Nine of those institutions submitted applications. This process administered by the Doerr Institute provided insights into improvements needed for the application before its launch.
During the seven-month process, representatives from each campus discussed progress and challenges within the self-examination. The initial nine institutions together with the Doerr Institute of New Leaders at Rice University established a national cohort to discern the utility of the new framework in order to launch the first cycle.
Founding Institutions of the Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose:
- Claremont McKenna College,
- Westminster College
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Valparaiso University
- Simmons University
- Creighton University
- Fort Hays State University
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- University of Colorado Boulder
Interested in The Classification?
The 2027 Application Cycle has closed. The next application cycle for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose will open in 2028.
Complete our Interest Form to be the first to receive updates on the next application cycle, along with exclusive tools, resources, webinars, and news related to the Carnegie Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose. Stay connected and prepare your institution for the next opportunity to apply.
Request Classification Information
Questions?
Contact Carla Ortega Santori at Carla.Ortega.Santori@rice.edu.