From Campus to Community: Civic Engagement and the Future of Higher Ed

What happens when higher education reclaims its civic purpose at a time when the public questions its value? By engaging deeply with their communities, institutions can rebuild trust, demonstrate relevance, and strengthen student belonging in ways that go beyond enrollment numbers. In this episode of Innovating Enrollment Success, Andrew Seligsohn, president of Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research and engagement organization focused on strengthening democracy and expanding opportunities for civic participation, shares how institutions can align civic purpose with student success. From building community partnerships to modeling institutional values, Seligsohn shares what it takes to make engagement central to both learning and leadership. What you’ll learn ·       Civic engagement builds learning and belonging. When students connect coursework to real communities, they form deeper ties to their institution. ·       Partnerships make institutions trusted and relevant. Collaborating locally shows your brand’s value beyond campus walls. ·       Leaders must live their values. Authentic action from leadership reinforces mission and builds audience trust. ·       Listening creates connection and understanding. Dialogue across differences strengthens both campus culture and brand perception. ·       Every voice strengthens the institution. Inclusion fuels belonging, engagement, and advocacy among students and staff. ·       Meaning drives student success and loyalty. When students see purpose in their education, they stay, succeed, and champion your story.