The latest episode of EMU Today TV features discussions on two initiatives that highlight Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) focus on community engagement and cultural education. The program includes conversations with Decky Alexander, professor of Applied Drama/Theatre and director of Engage@EMU, who discusses the university’s renewed recognition under the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. A second segment covers the expanding role of EMU’s Center for Jewish Studies.
In the first part of the episode, Alexander talks about how EMU has evolved in its approach to community involvement over the past decade. She emphasizes the importance of receiving the Carnegie designation, which is given to only 6% of colleges and universities nationwide.
“This classification is essentially a self-study of our community engagement over five to 10 years,” Alexander explains. “It’s almost like an accreditation document. We were able to gather significant data that demonstrated our dedication to this work.”
EMU is among five institutions in Michigan with this elective classification, reflecting its identity as a regional public university committed to building partnerships within its community. Alexander credits Engage@EMU—a central hub connecting faculty, students, nonprofits, businesses, and municipalities—with playing a major role in strengthening EMU’s application for this recognition.
“We’ve really become a front door,” she says. “If people don’t know where to go — a neighborhood group, a new business, a church, even an elected official — they find us, and we help facilitate the connection.”
The episode also outlines university efforts supporting applied research and programs that address real-world challenges through faculty awards, staff recognition, and grant activity.
The second segment highlights EMU’s Center for Jewish Studies. Alexander describes it as an academic resource that gives students and others opportunities to learn about Jewish history and culture.
“It’s not necessarily a religious entity,” Alexander notes. “It’s the responsibility of an academic institution to provide learning opportunities about people’s past, present, and future. This center is one of those opportunities.”
Programming at the center includes domestic travel courses focused on Jewish theater and history in cities like New York and Philadelphia; lectures featuring scholars and civic leaders; events exploring Jewish diversity such as discussions around Jews of color; and cultural activities involving food, arts, and storytelling. According to Alexander, these experiences help prepare students for careers serving diverse communities.
Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as an institution focused on teacher preparation but has since developed into a comprehensive public university offering more than 200 undergraduate majors and minors along with graduate programs across several colleges (official website). The campus combines historic architecture with modern facilities designed for student success (official website). Nationally recognized for excellence in fields including education and health sciences (official website), EMU emphasizes career readiness through hands-on learning experiences (official website). The university’s educational approach encourages critical thinking while preparing students for meaningful societal contributions (official website).
James Smith has served as president of Eastern Michigan University (official website).
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