Shauna Reilly

About Shauna Reilly

As NKU’s Assistant Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement, I lead university-wide initiatives that connect academic learning with community impact. Through the Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity, the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement, and the Northern Kentucky Forum, I champion programs that help students discover their passions, apply their learning in real-world contexts, and make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities.I work collaboratively with students and faculty to expand access to experiential learning, remove barriers to participation, and design programs that foster both academic and civic growth. My leadership also extends to promoting faculty research and creative activity, curating campus-wide newsletters, digital spotlights, and public lectures that share NKU scholarship with the broader community—bridging the gap between campus and region, and enriching public discourse.I’m deeply committed to fostering civil dialogue and creating spaces for thoughtful, respectful conversations around pressing societal issues. Across all initiatives, I emphasize assessment and evidence-based design, developing metrics that demonstrate impact and drive continuous improvement.Recognized for mentoring excellence and scholarly contributions, I remain passionate about helping students and faculty alike grow, learn, and lead—connecting knowledge, purpose, and community engagement at every stage of the NKU experience.

Experience

1. Assistant Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement

   Northern Kentucky University

   Jul 2025 — Present · Highland Heights, KY, US

   I lead university-wide initiatives that connect NKU’s academic mission with the region through innovative, community-centered partnerships and high-impact learning experiences. I provide strategic leadership for the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement, Community Connections, the Grant County Campus, the Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity, and EngageKY—advancing NKU’s commitment to student success, research, and regional vitality and integrating community engagement and high-impact practices throughout the student experience.• Provide vision and strategic direction for outreach, student research and community engagement that bridge campus and community.• Foster partnerships with regional non-profit organizations and schools to strengthen NKU’s civic and economic impact.• Oversee university-wide experiential learning programs, student research, and community-based initiatives that engage thousands of students annually.• Strengthened the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) program, creating early pathways for students to engage in research and creative scholarship.• Advanced the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project, leading its 25th anniversary celebration and expanding its reach through new service learning initiatives• Championed student research and creative activity, increasing visibility and access through programs, fellowships, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.• Lead collaborative projects such as NKU’s Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement reaffirmation through expanding community engagement infrastructure and assessment across campus.• Strengthen community connections through oversight of NKU’s Grant County Campus and EngageKY• Advance data-informed decision making by developing metrics, assessment tools, and reports that demonstrate the impact of engagement initiatives.• Represent NKU in regional and national networks focused on civic engagement, undergraduate research, and public partnerships.

Education

• Queen's University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

  1998 — 2002

• Georgia State University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

• HERS Institute

  HERS Intensive Leadership Institute

  2022 — 2022

• Georgia State University

  Master of Arts - MA

  2002 — 2003