The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced today that the University of Nevada, Reno is among only 277 institutions across the country recognized as belonging to the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.

The University received its initial Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement designation in 2020. The selection this 2026 cycle reflects the University’s sustained commitment to community-engaged scholarship, partnerships, service and civic learning as integral dimensions of its mission as a public, land-grant, R1 institution.

Universities were evaluated based on their collaboration with their larger communities to enrich scholarship, research and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good. 

“Our faculty, students and staff, as well as our numerous community partners and supporters, have all made today’s prestigious and significant achievement possible,” University President Brian Sandoval said. “This honor, paired with our classification as a Carnegie R1 “Very High” Research institution, speaks to an ongoing effort by our University to make a lasting impact on our state through all aspects of our institutional mission – teaching, research and service.”

The University’s reapplication demonstrated particular emphasis in several key institutional areas, including infrastructure and leadership; partnerships and community-centered initiatives; equity, access and inclusive engagement; assessment, accountability and data systems; resource commitment and external support; and response to contemporary challenges.

“Community and civic engagement are deeply held core values of our institution, which have marked our institution’s progress in serving the needs of our communities and our state for more than 150 years,” Vice President of Government and Community Relations Michael Flores said. “This achievement is a testament to the excellence of our University and the people who make our mission come alive every day.”

The University earned its Carnegie R1 “Very High” Research institution classification in 2018 and retained that designation in 2025.