Engagement in action: University Outreach and Engagement launches new strategic priorities

University Outreach and Engagement is introducing new strategic priorities that will guide its efforts over the next five years. Entitled "Leading with Purpose, Partnership, and Impact," the plan spells out specific and concrete steps to expand MSU’s reach in Lansing, Detroit, mid-Michigan and across the state.

The priorities were shaped through conversations with faculty, staff, students and community partners as part of a strategic planning process launched in 2024, inviting participants to help reimagine the future of UOE.

“The contributions and insights provided by our colleagues and community partners affirmed the strong value UOE brings to advancing MSU’s engagement and research mission,” said Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for UOE. “We also heard that MSU continues to be respected for its contributions to the well-being and vitality of communities throughout Michigan and beyond, which is something we’re proud of and dedicated to continuing to do.”

Laura Lee McIntyre, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at MSU, endorsed UOE’s path forward, stating, “With its orientation toward the future, an eye toward innovative engagement models, and community-centered collaboration approaches, I am excited about the vision, mission and goals outlined in UOE’s strategic plan. I encourage you to embrace the vision and goals of the plan, and to engage in opportunities with UOE to find synergies that will continue to move us forward as One Team toward our shared engagement aspirations."

For 2026, key initiatives include:

• Engagement Innovation Labs: Connect faculty, staff and students with community partners to seek external funding to address community-articulated priorities. Labs draw on university and community expertise to deliver practical solutions and publishable results.
• Local and Regional Engagement: Support the Office of the President in identifying next steps for a Roadmap for Local and Regional Engagement in Lansing, Detroit and mid-Michigan.
• Promotion and Tenure: Co-lead a Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs working group charged by the provost to recognize faculty and staff already doing community-engaged scholarship by integrating innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement into reappointment, promotion and tenure processes.

Looking ahead, UOE will focus its efforts on four priorities that align with the MSU 2030 Strategic Priorities and include:

1. External partnerships and engagement
2. Excellence in engaged scholarship and learning
3. Communicating the outreach and engagement story
4. Organizational excellence

“I invite our campus and community partners to read and reflect on how we’re addressing today’s most pressing challenges and moving this work forward in new, purposeful ways,” Brookins said. “Together, we can continue to serve the public good and deepen MSU’s commitment to meaningful engagement.”

This story originally appeared on the Outreach and Engagement website.