Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference ‘energized’ UK attendees

Representatives from the University of Kentucky attended the 2026 Engagement Scholarship Consortium International Conference, hosted by the Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) to strengthen partnerships among universities and communities.  

Held Oct. 7-8 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the conference’s theme was, “Changing Lives and Improving Society: Data-Driven Engagement and Innovation.” Attendees represented both member and non-member institutions from across the country.  

UK was well represented by 22 administrators, faculty, staff and students, who attended from five UK colleges: the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Education; the College of Communication and Information; and the College of Pharmacy.  

Five sessions and two posters featured UK presenters, and two faculty were selected for and participated in the Emerging Engagement Scholars Workshop.  

Olufunmilola Abraham, Ph.D., professor and Department Chair of Pharmacy Practice and Science in the UK College of Pharmacy, said attending the conference was an inspiring opportunity.  

“The conference reignited my passion for mentoring the next generation of educators and scholars that truly understand the value of shared learning in advancing research, strengthening partnerships and creating lasting community impact,” Abraham said. “I left energized, inspired and reminded that the greatest impact happens when we work with communities, not just for them.” 

The conference is held annually and will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oct. 6-7, 2027, with pre-conference workshops on Oct. 4-5. The call for proposals is expected in February or March 2027.