Service-learning at MSU maintains No. 1 rank among public universities

For a third consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Michigan State University No. 1 in service-learning among public universities. MSU ranked No. 6 overall, up from No. 9 in 2025.

Service-learning, known as community-engaged learning at MSU, integrates community partnerships with classroom instruction to enrich the student learning experience, teach civic and social responsibility and strengthen communities.

“Community-engaged learning is a teaching and learning strategy that supports students, faculty, staff, and community partners in addressing issues and implementing change,” said Renee Miller Zientek, executive director of the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL), which jointly reports to the Office of University Outreach and Engagement (UOE) and Student Affairs. “We deeply value our campus-community partnerships and strongly believe it’s our mission to prepare students for lifelong civic and social responsibility.”

Each year, more than 25,000 MSU students register for community-engaged learning opportunities both in and beyond the classroom. To track these activities, CCEL conducts an annual university-wide survey about community-engaged learning courses, programs, and projects. Using this data, CCEL produces the Community-Engaged Learning Index, an annual report that highlights service-learning efforts of MSU faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for UOE, commended the center for its efforts in maintaining MSU’s No. 1 ranking for service-learning and highlighted Miller Zientek’s leadership as pivotal to that achievement.

“MSU’s faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with meaningful, real-world experiences that connect learning with community impact,” Brookins said. “Maintaining this rank reflects the university’s deep commitment to these partnerships, and leaders like Renee and the team in CCEL have played an important role in advancing this work and creating opportunities for students to engage with communities in impactful ways.”

Miller Zientek was recently awarded the Nadinne Cruz Community Engagement Professional Award from Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to public purpose in higher education. She was recognized for strengthening reciprocal community partnerships and expanding opportunities for students to contribute to community priorities and democratic life.

MSU’s continued recognition in service-learning highlights the impact of engaged leadership and the dedication of Spartan students who devote hundreds of hours each year to community-engaged service, scholarship and advocacy, Miller Zientek said.

“I am so proud of our Spartan community and partners,” Miller Zientek said. “The experiences shared by students and partners are what truly make a difference.”

To learn more about community-engaged learning at MSU, visit the Center for Community Engaged Learning's website.