A group of six Youngstown State University faculty and staff members represented the university at the 2025 Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) International Conference, held in Roanoke, Virginia. The event brought together institutions from around the world to share best practices and celebrate the power of partnerships between universities and the communities they serve.

The YSU delegation attended sessions focused on deepening community impact, supporting community-engaged research, and assessing engagement outcomes. For YSU, the conference affirmed that the university is on a strong path toward national best practices in community engagement—work that continues to grow through collaboration across campus and beyond.

“The conference provided an opportunity to connect with colleagues who are equally passionate about building meaningful partnerships between universities and the community,” stated Patricia McGovern Sweeney Professor in Nursing, Amy Weaver, one of the delegates. “I gathered new ideas, resources and inspiration to further integrate community-engaged learning into my teaching and scholarship which will ultimately enhance the positive impact our students and faculty have beyond the classroom.”

Through community engaged scholarship, faculty connect teaching and research to address community needs that can lead to expanded research opportunities and enhanced teaching. Students develop career-ready skills through experiential learning and a deeper connection to the community.

“Engaging with other scholars allows us an opportunity to learn, share and reflect on our progress. We are coming back with a list of ideas to strengthen our infrastructure, but also with an immense sense of gratitude for the work we have done already as a campus that is inspiring to others,” said Amy Cossentino, associate provost and dean, Sokolov Honors College. “We look forward to our continued efforts for YSU to be a model community engaged campus.”

YSU’s presence at the conference extended beyond participation. Several staff members served on the conference planning committee, contributing to the event’s design and execution. Notably, Jenna Binsley-Smith, program administrator for the Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork, created the official logo for the 25th anniversary of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium. Her design features a bridge symbolizing this year’s theme, “Bridging Resources to Build Stronger Communities.”

Binsley-Smith also collaborated with Mollie Hartup, director of the Sokolov Honors College, and ESC colleagues to produce a commemorative video showcasing highlights from previous ESC conferences.

YSU’s involvement with the Engagement Scholarship Consortium aligns with its institutional commitment to meaningful community partnerships and experiential learning experiences. In 2025, the university submitted its first-ever application for the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a national recognition awarded to institutions demonstrating an exceptional culture of community collaboration.

Results of the Carnegie elective classification on community engagement will be announced in January. In the meantime, YSU continues to strengthen connections between campus and community—bridging resources, talents, and ideas to build a stronger region.

Delegation members:

• Amy Cossentino, associate provost, Division of Experiential Learning & Engagement and dean, Sokolov Honors College
• Jenna Binsley-Smith, program administrator for the Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork
• Levi Binsley-Smith, director of partnerships and budget administration, Division of Experiential Learning and Engagement
• Mollie Hartup, director, Sokolov Honors College
• Andrea Tharp, assistant director of Community Engagement
• Amy Weaver, Patricia McGovern Sweeney Professor in Nursing