Evaluating the Perceived Effectiveness and Impacts of Outreach Practices and Engagement Initiatives of the Faculty at the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Outreach and engagement (O&E) are integral to higher education, particularly in agricultural sciences, where faculty expertise connects academic research with community needs. At Texas Tech University’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, faculty are involved in O&E to enhance student learning, industry partnerships, and public understanding. However, a lack of systematic evaluation limits insight into O&E effectiveness and faculty involvement. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess faculty O&E practices. The first paper quantifies faculty participation, perceived impact, and institutional support. The second paper explores faculty perspectives through qualitative interviews, identifying motivations, barriers, and institutional influences. Grounded in Organizational Culture Theory, Boyer’s Scholarship of Engagement, and the TRES III Reflection Framework, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of faculty O&E. Findings reveal that while faculty recognize O&E’s value, barriers such as limited recognition in tenure and promotion, resource constraints, and lack of formal training hinder participation. Faculty express a need for clearer evaluation criteria and stronger institutional support. This research underscores the need for policies that integrate O&E into faculty assessment frameworks, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. Recommendations include standardized assessment tools, professional development initiatives, and enhanced recognition of O&E efforts. Strengthening these structures can foster a culture of engagement, positioning Davis College as a leader in agricultural O&E.