Community Engagement in Public Health Nursing Education

Join us as we continue our monthly community engagement learning series throughout Spring 2026, where we have been showcasing our campus work in community engagement. Discover how faculty, staff, students, and partners are building meaningful collaborations to address societal needs and create lasting change. These sessions have showcased innovative projects, success stories, provided examples for building trust and fostering collaboration, and provided opportunities to connect.

Our fourth and final event of the series will feature Pat Schoon, associate professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Pat Schoon, DNP, MPH, PHN, RN will discuss a variety of community engagement learning activities that Metro State nursing students participate in during their public health/community health nursing coursework. Pat will focus on the holistic Community Assessment Project (CAP) that students carry out in collaboration with community partners. Stacy O'Leary, the health service coordinator from a local school district will join her to discuss the benefits of working with Metro State and nursing students. Examples of CAPs with a county public health agency, Saint Paul Public Housing, ISD 197, and other nonprofit organizations will be shared.

Everyone is welcome to join us via Zoom—come learn, share, and be part of the conversation! No registration is needed.

Note: We use AI for accessible transcription and captioning, but sessions will not be recorded - come for the live conversation!

To request accommodations for a disability, contact Accessibility Resources at 651.793.1549 or accessibility.resources@metrostate.edu.

This series is built on the belief that meaningful change happens when vision meets action. It gives every college and school a space to showcase how they are turning community engagement ideals into concrete steps that strengthen partnerships and create real impact. Together, we’ll explore what it looks like to build trust with intention, communicate with clarity, and collaborate in ways that honor community expertise. We’ll dig into the full arc of engagement—from the first conversation to project development, implementation, and evaluation—so participants leave with strategies they can use immediately.

This is a space for rolling up our sleeves. For learning how academic knowledge and community wisdom can work side by side. For designing projects that respond to real needs, elevate local voices, and move us toward more equitable outcomes. By sharing practical tools, lived experiences, and examples from across campus, this series empowers all of us to take purposeful steps toward stronger partnerships and lasting change.