The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) awarded Professor Katie Clark (Chair, Nursing Department and Executive Director, Health Commons) with the prestigious 2025 Barbara A. Holland Scholar-Administrator Award. CUMU writes that “This award honors mid-career scholar-administrators who ground their leadership in research, shape ideas and actions within and beyond their institutions, and help universities serve as engines of social mobility and community well-being.” Katie could not be a better choice for this award! As an administrator of the Health Commons, Katie leads a a program embedded in multiple communities with the aim of creating community connections and advance health for all. Across 5 sites in the Twin Cities, the Health Commons has had over 150,000 visits and collaborated with more than 3,000 students. It is now a national model for experiential education in nursing, health professions, and more broadly.
At CUMU, Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow noted “Barbara Holland championed a vision of higher education leadership that was intellectually rigorous, publicly engaged, and community-accountable. Dr. Katie Clark lives out that vision every day.” He adds, “Katie exemplifies Augsburg’s commitment to the intersections of scholarship, service, and systems reform – and she does it all with the heart of a healer, building relationships and community wherever she shows up.”
The Sabo Center, through our Community Garden, Campus Kitchen, and Campus Cupboard, works in close collaboration with the Health Commons. We are inspired by, and learn from, Katie Clark’s work and vision. We are very excited to see her recognized nationally for her work and leadership.