What are Universities For?: From Public Scholarship to the Engaged University.

This article explores the concept of "public scholarship" and its different models, specifically the "public intellectual" and the "engaged scholar." The author reflects on their own research trajectory, moving from theory to practice to engagement, and argues that engaged scholarship is more accountable to the demands of justice. The article also discusses the barriers to engaged scholarship and suggests that the "engaged university" should center the work of activist scholars and their community partners. The author acknowledges the importance of diverse perspectives and the need to learn from research traditions that have paved the way. The text discusses the difference between public intellectuals and engaged scholars in the context of advancing justice. Public intellectuals speak to a broad audience but do not interact with specific public stakeholders or contribute to social change. Engaged scholars, on the other hand, work directly with non-academic interest groups to co-produce knowledge that leads to social change. The text emphasizes the importance of community-based research and the need to prioritize the learning of long-time community-based scholars to ensure the integrity and accountability of engaged scholarship. The author also reflects on their own academic trajectory and the limitations of theory in effecting change, highlighting the importance of understanding how scholarship participates in the material matrices of public life. This article discusses the importance of engaged scholarship, which involves collaborating with non-academic partners in the research process. The author shares their experience working on a project funded by the California Department of Cannabis Control to study the impact of cannabis cultivation on Tribal sacred sites and cultural resources. They [Extracted from the article]