As we approach 2025, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of community engagement in higher education, and this is increasingly reflected in tenure considerations. Universities are expanding their definitions of scholarship to include impactful work that extends beyond the traditional academic sphere.
One significant trend is the rising prominence of “engaged scholarship” in tenure evaluations. This approach values research and teaching that directly address community needs and societal challenges. Faculty members who collaborate with community partners, conduct participatory action research, or develop community-based learning experiences for students are gaining more recognition in tenure decisions.
Universities are also placing greater emphasis on the broader impacts of research. Tenure committees are increasingly considering how a faculty member’s work contributes to social, economic, or environmental well-being. This shift reflects a growing expectation that universities should play a more active role in addressing pressing societal issues.
The concept of “scholarship of engagement” is gaining traction, where faculty members are rewarded for integrating their teaching, research, and service in ways that benefit both the community and the academic institution. This includes developing long-term partnerships with community organizations, influencing public policy, and translating academic knowledge into practical solutions.
There’s a growing trend towards recognizing diverse forms of public scholarship. This includes valuing contributions to public discourse through media appearances, policy briefs, and popular writing. Some institutions are developing new metrics to assess the impact of these non-traditional scholarly outputs.
Community-engaged teaching is also becoming more valued in tenure considerations. Faculty members who develop service-learning courses, community-based research projects for students, or internship programs that benefit local communities are gaining recognition for these efforts.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is often a key component of community engagement, and this is reflected in tenure evaluations. Faculty members who can bridge academic disciplines to address complex community challenges are increasingly sought after.
As we look towards 2025, it’s clear that the traditional boundaries between academia and the broader community are becoming more permeable. Tenure-track faculty are increasingly expected to demonstrate not just their contributions to their academic field, but also their impact on society at large. This trend is reshaping the role of universities in their communities and redefining what it means to be a successful academic in the 21st century.
