Morrill Land-Grant Act and Wisconsin Idea (19th Century) – public universities expected to aid states, localities in addressing issues affecting the common good. Primarily translated as service (within teaching-research-service triad), which has led to marginalization in terms of policy, practice, and resources -> institutional engagement of public priorities becomes fragile, episodic, person-dependent. Place becoming more important in the New Economy -> how do college and universities strengthen and sustain their commitment to place?

Proposed definition of public engagement: “The publicly engaged institution is fully committed to direct, two-way interaction with communities and other external constituencies through the development, exchange, and application of knowledge, information and expertise for mutual benefit.”