David Phipps, executive director research and innovation services in the Office of Research Services, has been appointed to the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) new Engage Community. Phipps is the only Canadian university representative and the first to be appointed to the new community.
The announcement of Phipps’ appointment was made last week in a news release announcing the formation of the community, which will serve as a new international network for university professionals committed to community engagement.
“While many networks focus on national or regional efforts to engage with society, the ACU Engage Community offers an exciting look into work taking place on a truly global scale,” said Joyce Achampong, director of external engagement at the ACU. “The Engage Community will champion and inspire the work of pioneers in community engagement and encourage successful projects in the future.”
The ACU Engage Community is a place for colleagues from across the Commonwealth to share their unique and innovative projects, their insights into effective approaches, to tackling shared challenges. Phipps will be joining a committee of international experts, the UNESCO co-chairs, as well as representatives from across the Commonwealth. They will work to create a resource for universities on a global scale and address issues in international higher education through a range of projects, networks and events.
Members of the ACU communities take on projects and programs that support the ever-changing dynamics of higher education. The ACU Engage Community will look to create a resource of international good practice through shared experiences.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is the world’s first and oldest international university network, established in 1913. As a UK-registered charity, the ACU has over 500 member institutions in developed and developing countries across the Commonwealth. It ultimately promotes inter-university cooperation and helping universities better serve their communities.