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April 25, 2026

Ƶ expands national presence in engaged scholarship

Strategic investment and collaboration propel Binghamton’s growing role in advancing community-engaged research and learning

A contingent of faculty from the College of Ƶ and Public Affairs, staff from the Center for Civic Engagement and community partners attended the Engagement Scholarship Consortium Annual Conference Oct. 6-9, 2025. Pictured, from left, are Kelli Smith, assistant vice president for student success; Kyra Hickey, community engagement coordinator; Andrea Decker, assistant dean of CCPA; Sara Hall, senior assistant director, Center for Civic Engagement; Renae Barber, community engagement outreach and assessment specialist; Barrett Brenton, faculty engagement associate; Kelley L Cook, assistant professor, Department of Social Work; Larry Dake, superintendent of Chenango Valley Central School District; and Alison Handy Twang, director of the Center for Civic Engagement. A contingent of faculty from the College of Ƶ and Public Affairs, staff from the Center for Civic Engagement and community partners attended the Engagement Scholarship Consortium Annual Conference Oct. 6-9, 2025. Pictured, from left, are Kelli Smith, assistant vice president for student success; Kyra Hickey, community engagement coordinator; Andrea Decker, assistant dean of CCPA; Sara Hall, senior assistant director, Center for Civic Engagement; Renae Barber, community engagement outreach and assessment specialist; Barrett Brenton, faculty engagement associate; Kelley L Cook, assistant professor, Department of Social Work; Larry Dake, superintendent of Chenango Valley Central School District; and Alison Handy Twang, director of the Center for Civic Engagement.
A contingent of faculty from the College of Ƶ and Public Affairs, staff from the Center for Civic Engagement and community partners attended the Engagement Scholarship Consortium Annual Conference Oct. 6-9, 2025. Pictured, from left, are Kelli Smith, assistant vice president for student success; Kyra Hickey, community engagement coordinator; Andrea Decker, assistant dean of CCPA; Sara Hall, senior assistant director, Center for Civic Engagement; Renae Barber, community engagement outreach and assessment specialist; Barrett Brenton, faculty engagement associate; Kelley L Cook, assistant professor, Department of Social Work; Larry Dake, superintendent of Chenango Valley Central School District; and Alison Handy Twang, director of the Center for Civic Engagement. Image Credit: Andi Stack.
By Andi Stack
October 16, 2025

Ƶ’s commitment to connecting research, teaching and public service was recognized in May 2023 when the University was officially accepted into the (ESC). The ESC is a global network of colleges and universities dedicated to advancing scholarship-based community engagement. Membership signifies Binghamton’s growing leadership in this field.

This year’s was held Oct. 6-9 in Roanoke, Va., with Virginia Tech serving as the primary host institution. Ƶ participated as a host institution sponsor. Kelli Smith, assistant vice president for student success, served as Binghamton’s campus representative on the conference planning committee, which helped shape sessions and engagement opportunities connecting academic and community partners from across the country.

With one-time funding from the Road Map to Premier Strategic Priority 4 (SP4), Binghamton provided group transportation, allowing for broader campus participation. Attendees included Smith, who served as a representative for student affairs administration; Larry Dake, superintendent of Chenango Valley Central School District; five Center for Civic Engagement staff; two College of Ƶ and Public Affairs (CCPA) faculty members; and CCPA Assistant Dean Andrea Decker. This marked the University’s largest-ever presence at the conference.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support President [Harvey] Stenger provided to expand our campus and community representation at the ESC conference this year, as well as prioritizing community engagement in the Road Map,” Smith said. “This support allowed us to elevate Binghamton’s reputation as a leader in community engagement, opening doors for future collaborations that will continue to make a meaningful impact.”

Throughout the conference, Binghamton representatives contributed to cross-collaborative presentations, hosted a CCE information table in the exhibit hall, and presented a poster session highlighting university-community partnerships. Social work faculty Kelley Cook and Keisha Wint gave a presentation titled “Ending Violence Towards Women: A Ƶ-Engaged Approach,” highlighting how attitudes toward violence against women (cisgender, transgender and those affected by gender-based violence) shape responses to it and how higher education can drive social transformation through community-engaged research that educates, builds community and learns directly from participants. These efforts offered national exposure for the impactful work happening across the University and within the Binghamton area.

Through strategic investment, collaboration and leadership, Ƶ continues to advance its mission of connecting learning, research and service, strengthening both campus and community through engaged scholarship.

Posted in: Campus News