Michelle Kaiser Featured in Engaged Scholars Academy Kickoff

The Engaged Scholars Academy,  a one-year cohort-based leadership and professional development initiative, recently celebrated the start of its inaugural year. The program aims to strengthen engaged scholarship at Ohio State, as well as help build relationships between community partners and faculty.

Dr. Michelle Kaiser, associate professor, is one of 16 members in the cohort. Kaiser has long been an active member in her community, and her experiences as a community practitioner have been integral to her faculty career.

“This work with community partners in formal and informal settings informs my work.” says Kaiser. “Since arriving at Ohio State, I have been committed to being part of two worlds — the broader community outside of the university and the world inside my field, academia and the university.”

Kaiser is excited not only for the opportunities the program can create, but also the chance to broaden her own network of faculty and community partners alike.

“I want to spend devoted time with community partners. I want to be inspired, hear about what’s going on in our communities, listen to experts, and find points of connection,” she adds. “I also want to understand their challenges, find ways to support their healing from negative experiences with university partners, work towards building equitable relationships and identify ways to meet community needs.”

Read more here.