AdventHealth University has been recognized for its commitment to community engagement, earning a prestigious Carnegie elective Classification for Community Engagement. This marks the university’s first time receiving this honor, placing it among an elite group of 237 higher education institutions acknowledged by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, with Florida housing 14 of these organizations.
C. Josef Ghosn, EdD, FACHE, president of AdventHealth University, expressed gratitude for this recognition, emphasizing the university’s strong partnerships in communities across Denver, Tampa, and Orlando. “At AdventHealth University, our faculty, staff, and students are committed to stewardship and service, assisting with community challenges and collaborating for the greater good,” he stated.
Notably, AdventHealth University now holds two Carnegie classifications, having previously been designated as an Opportunity College and University: Higher Access, Higher Earnings in 2025. This reflects their efforts to enhance college accessibility and empower graduates in securing well-paying careers.
The newly awarded classification is valid until 2032, stemming from a rigorous application process that showcases the university’s dedication to community integration. Kendra Presley, EMHA, CCEL, director of community and student engagement at AdventHealth University, highlighted that this recognition signifies the institution’s commitment to enriching the educational experiences of current and prospective students while making a significant impact in their communities.
Recent community engagement initiatives at AdventHealth University include:
– Integrating service learning into graduation requirements for all students
– Offering support at Wayne Densch Apartments, aimed at aiding households that have experienced homelessness
– Operating a student food pantry
– Nursing Professor Dr. Sydney Moran receiving an award from the American Red Cross of Central Florida
– Hosting a longstanding Science Summer Camp for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida
– Organizing an annual AHU Service Day
Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation, acknowledged the vital role of colleges and universities in fostering civic engagement and real-world learning experiences. “Our institutions not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban, and suburban communities nationwide,” he stated, celebrating the dedication of these institutions to their communities. This distinction serves not only as a mark of achievement for AdventHealth University but also as an encouraging sign for ongoing collaboration and community service initiatives, expanding opportunities for students and enriching the surrounding areas.