Campus Compact is pleased to announce that Khirsten Scott, assistant professor of language, literacy, and culture and director of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project at the University of Pittsburgh has been awarded Campus Compact’s Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement. The award, presented in partnership with Brown University’s Swearer Center, recognizes early-career faculty who practice exemplary engaged scholarship through teaching and research. Recipients are selected on the basis of their collaboration with communities, institutional impact, and high-quality academic work.
Scott is recognized for her deep and meaningful work with Black girls, women, and communities in western Pennsylvania. Her work incorporates a strong theoretical approach that centers and embodies liberatory Black feminist and womanist practices and results in impactful change in communities. Scott is also recognized for her transformational work supporting and advocating for other community-engaged colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh. She quietly lifts up the important work of faculty and staff across campus, championing the role of community-engaged scholarship.
“[I]t is clear that Dr. Scott is making a significant impact through public service within Pitt and across the region,” said Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, Renée and Richard Goldman Interim Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, in a letter nominating Scott for the award. “Her work showcases her passion for fostering people’s stories, perspectives, experiences, and knowledge so that they can transform their communities, cities, regions, and beyond. She is a shining example of our School’s mission to learn with and from communities, to commit to educational equity, and to ignite learning and strive for well-being for all.”
"As someone who benefited tremendously from Ernest’s mentorship and guidance, I know he’d be so proud to see this award continue and especially to have someone as deserving as Dr. Scott receiving this year’s award,” said Barbara Holland, a leader and scholar in the field of higher education civic and community engagement. “Dr. Scott’s meaningful and important work embodies Ernest’s principles and values, and it is inspiring to know the work continues with the next generation!”
The Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement is presented as part of Campus Compact's Impact Awards, which recognize the outstanding work of individuals and institutions in pursuit of the public purposes of higher education. Read more about the other awards and this year's recipients here.
Awardees will be recognized will be recognized at Compact24, Campus Compact’s annual conference, which will be held in Denver, Colorado from April 8-10, 2024.