The Community-centric Path to Rebuilding Trust in Higher Education

The Community-Centric Path to Rebuilding Trust in Higher Education reimagines community engagement as an essential operational driver for sustaining universities in the face of formidable societal and economic headwinds. By elevating engagement as a core organizational practice across all aspects of institutional operations, the book provides a blueprint for universities to thrive by pursuing deeper and more sustainable alignment with their communities.

As higher education faces a declining value proposition and stalled progress in university–community engagement, this book offers a bold alternative to the customer-focused strategies many colleges seek to regain stability. Across eight chapters informed by interviews with higher education leaders, examination of emerging frameworks, and compelling profiles of exemplary institutions, White showcases innovative principles and practices that advance strategic priorities and foster community-focused structures.

Tailored for higher education leaders, community engagement practitioners, and scholars, this volume makes a compelling case for integrating public impact with organizational transformation, while also providing valuable insights for other knowledge-based, civic-oriented institutions such as hospitals, museums, libraries, and arts organizations.

A Co-Publication with Campus Compact

Byron P. White, for more than two decades, has developed and led administrative functions that advance university–community engagement and partnerships at public and private universities and a state higher education system. A former newspaper journalist and community development professional, he is a senior consultant for Sova Solutions and managing consultant of Strategic Community Connections.