Office of External Engagement
The Office of External Engagement serves as Muskingum University's gateway to the region, building meaningful connections that strengthen the University while advancing the communities we serve.
By bringing together education, business, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations, the office creates partnerships that expand opportunities, respond to workforce needs, and contribute to the economic vitality of Southeast Ohio and beyond.
Our work is rooted in collaboration. Whether developing new workforce pathways, securing external funding, supporting public policy initiatives, or creating innovative partnerships, the Office of External Engagement helps position Muskingum University as a trusted regional partner and a catalyst for innovation and community impact.
Areas of Impact
- External Partnerships
Strong partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. The Office of External Engagement works closely with employers, schools, healthcare systems, community organizations, and industry leaders to create opportunities that benefit both our partners and our students. These collaborations help align academic programs with workforce needs, provide experiential learning opportunities, and support shared solutions to regional challenges.
For more information, visit our Partnerships Page.
- Regional Engagement & Workforce Ecosystem Integration
Muskingum University plays an active role in strengthening the region's workforce ecosystem. By listening to employers, convening industry leaders, and collaborating with workforce and economic development organizations, we help identify emerging needs and develop educational opportunities that prepare learners for high-demand careers.
From employer roundtables to sector-based initiatives, our work connects education with opportunity and helps build a stronger regional workforce for the future.
- Muskingum Works!
Muskingum Works! reflects the University's commitment to serving learners at every stage of their educational and professional journey. Through workforce training, professional development, customized employer solutions, and non-credit learning opportunities, Muskingum Works! helps learners gain new skills while supporting employers in developing and retaining talent.
- Grant Leadership & Resource Development
The Office of External Engagement leads the University's efforts to identify and pursue strategic grant opportunities that advance Muskingum's mission and create lasting impact. By aligning external funding with institutional priorities, we help expand educational opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, support workforce development, and foster innovative partnerships across the region.
A hallmark of this work is Muskingum University's participation in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative, which strengthened partnerships, expanded workforce programming, and increased access to career-focused education throughout Southeast Ohio.
- Government Relations & Advocacy
The Office of External Engagement leads the University's efforts to identify and pursue strategic grant opportunities that advance Muskingum's mission and create lasting impact. By aligning external funding with institutional priorities, we help expand educational opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, support workforce development, and foster innovative partnerships across the region.
A hallmark of this work is Muskingum University's participation in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative, which has strengthened partnerships, expanded workforce programming, and increased access to career-focused education throughout Southeast Ohio. These efforts help position Muskingum as a trusted partner and advocate for Southeast Ohio.
Why This Work Matters
The future of our region depends on the success of its people. When students, employers, community leaders, and educators work together, new opportunities emerge—opportunities to learn, grow, innovate, and build stronger communities.
The Office of External Engagement exists to help create those opportunities. Whether connecting learners to careers, supporting local employers, securing resources for transformational projects, or bringing partners together around shared goals, our work helps strengthen the ties that move communities forward.
Because when our communities thrive, so do our students, our partners, and the region we proudly call home.