Texas Southern University has earned the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, making it the first historically Black college or university in Texas to receive the designation.
Fewer than 10 percent of the nearly 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the United States hold this classification, which recognizes universities that integrate community partnerships into their real-worldteaching, research, and service.
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification requires a detailed application process that evaluates how institutions build sustained and reciprocal relationships with the communities they serve.
Texas Southern partners with schools, health organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits across Greater Houston to provide hands-on learning for students while expanding services in education, mental health, public health, and social work.
The university received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification on its first attempt, adding to its existing Carnegie R2 status for high research activity. Officials say Texas Southern is the first HBCU in Texas to hold both distinctions. Nationally, the designation is often viewed as a benchmark for institutions seeking community-engaged research funding from federal agencies and philanthropic organizations.
University President J W Crawford III said the honor reflects decades of work by faculty, students, staff, and community partners to address real-world issues.
“This designation affirms Texas Southern University’s longstanding commitment to advancing education, research excellence, and societal impact through meaningful community partnerships,” said Crawford. “It reflects the work of faculty, students, staff, and community partners who have collaboratively shaped research, teaching, service, and outreach to address real-world challenges and improve outcomes locally and beyond. I am proud of the women and men whose hard work put the University in a position to achieve this prestigious classification.”
Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carl B. Goodman said the designation confirms that community engagement at Texas Southern shapes academic practice while delivering challenges through meaningful collaboration.
“These partnerships add value to the community around us and beyond. Likewise, this classification affirms our commitment to academic excellence that is grounded in shared purpose and public impact,” Goodman said.