Awards and Recognition
The Chicago School’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community impact has received national and regional recognition. These honors reflect the strength of our institution’s mission and partnerships, showcase the meaningful contributions of our faculty, students, staff, and community collaborators, and underscore our leadership in advancing access, equity, and applied education in mental health and related fields.
“As we look ahead, we remain committed to engagement that is reciprocal, impactful, and grounded in service to communities.”
Michele Nealon, Psy.D.
President, The Chicago School
2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement
The Chicago School has earned the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, one of the highest national designations in higher education honoring institutions where community impact is core to its mission. This prestigious classification from the Carnegie Foundation highlights our intentional use of community engagement in teaching, learning, research, and service, and reflects our longstanding commitment to collaboration that creates measurable impact and mutual benefit for the communities we serve.
Recognition From Our Community
Awards are always appreciated, but the recognition we cherish most comes from the people and organizations we serve alongside every day. Together, these voices offer a firsthand perspective on how our university shows up for the community and how these partnerships create lasting change.
“The impact of this work has been measurable and meaningful. Between the 2023 and 2025 Healthy Minds Survey administrations, the University demonstrated improvement in key mental health indicators, reflecting enhanced awareness, reduced stigma, and greater confidence in seeking and offering support. The broad implementation of Mental Health First Aid and QPR training [through NRCI] has contributed significantly to fostering a culture of proactive engagement and shared responsibility for mental well-being across our campus.”
Shelly Brzycki, M.S.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
“We have been thrilled to partner with The Chicago School, whose talented graduate students and collaborative staff have made an immediate and meaningful impact on our families. Their partnership has helped strengthen our programs and expanded our ability to support kids facing a parent’s cancer.”
“Evanston is committed to advancing mental health and wellness for all residents. NRCI’s efforts directly complement this mission by ensuring that community members have access to high-quality, evidence-based education. Their expertise, responsiveness, and commitment to equity make them an ideal partner in expanding mental health resources. We deeply appreciate that NRCI has helped us expand our community capacity to understand mental health, and to respond to mental health crises with compassion and confidence.”
Ike C. Ogbo, MPH, LEHP
Director, City of Evanston Health and Human Services
“More and more mental health awareness is essential to a healthy life. By supporting community-based programs to advance mental health care, Kaiser Permanente is helping our individuals, vulnerable populations, and underserved communities achieve their best health. By funding The Chicago School Clinical Psychology community-based practicum programs, we are advancing access to equitable care for all our members, patients, partners, workforce, and communities.”
Mario Ceballos
Los Ángeles’ Community Health Manager, Kaiser Permanente
