The Office of Community Engagement and Outreach (OCEO) supports the UT community in building and sustaining mutual, reciprocal community-university partnerships.
OCEO connects UT with a diverse group of community partners; provides seed funding for new community engagement projects; hosts professional development workshops and networking events to foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and encourages student engagement through research, service, and experience learning.
Engagement and Outreach
Guided by a commitment to mutually beneficial relationships and shared goals, community engagement is the collaborative exchange of knowledge and resources between higher education institutions and their communities at local, regional, national, and global levels.
Effective community engagement creates avenues for applying academic expertise to address real-world challenges while also enriching scholarship through community-based experiences and perspectives.
Community-Engaged Scholarship
Community-engaged scholarship encompasses research and academic endeavors conducted in partnership with non-academic organizations, community members, and local practitioners. This collaborative approach enhances the visibility and understanding of pertinent issues while empowering communities to influence decisions affecting their lives, towns, cities, and neighborhoods.
By integrating academic expertise with grassroots perspectives and experiences, community-engaged scholarship yields insights that are more relevant and actionable for addressing real-world challenges.
Faculty Recruitment and Retention
Given faculty constitute the foundation of any academic institution, shaping the quality of education, research, and the overall intellectual atmosphere, the attraction and retention of top faculty talent is paramount for sustaining academic excellence, advancing knowledge, and providing student with a transformative learning journey.
Effective faculty recruitment and retention strategies empower institutions to cultivate inclusive excellence and focus on highly qualified scholars, fostering an environment conductive to innovation, mentorship, and intellectual advancement.
Registration Open: Community Engagement Conference
UT’s Office of Community Engagement and Outreach will proudly host the 8th Annual Engagement and Outreach Conference, Next-Level Engagement: Connect, Collaborate, and Cultivate on October 1-2, 2025.
Call for Applications: Community Engagement Academy
OCEO is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2025 Community Engagement Academy Fall program, taking place September 16 – October 21, 2025. This interdisciplinary professional development program is designed for new UTK faculty (0-3 years), postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students interested in the fundamental concepts of community engagement and academic outreach. It aims to enhance knowledge and practice of community-engaged scholarship while fostering partnerships throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee. For full consideration, complete the application, including your interest letter, resume, and endorsement statement by August 25 at 12:00 p.m.
How can we serve you?
OCEO can help you and your team
- Identify interdisciplinary research
- Connect you with community partners
- Plan and help secure funding
- Share your impact with the world
Contact us today to get started!
UT System Statement of Aspirations
We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on February 28, 2025.