The Journey of a Community-Engaged Scholar: An Autoethnography

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Community engagement is central to the public and civic mission of a growing number of colleges and universities, and numerous faculty members are applying their expertise to issues of importance to local communities and the larger society. However, there have been few first-hand descriptions of the career paths of faculty who engage in community-engaged scholarship. Faced with the current traditional typology of faculty work—teaching, research, and service—junior faculty in particular are often advised to postpone their community engagement work until after they secure their foundation in research and teaching. The author is a tenured full professor who regards community-engaged scholarship as central to his work. Using an autoethnographic style, he reflects on the motivations, influences, and experiences that have informed his intentional efforts to integrate teaching, research, and service into his professional identity as a community-engaged scholar. His story is an invitation for present and future scholars to view their work through an engaged lens: specifically to think imaginatively about how engaging in pressing social issues and developing respectful and productive relationships with individuals and organizations at the local community level might improve and advance their scholarship. The author's reflections contribute to the theory and practice of community engaged scholarship by addressing the tensions facing community-engaged scholars as they navigate faculty roles and rewards in higher education.