Public Engagement Champion Spotlight: Mike Baumgardner

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2026) – Public engagement takes many forms at UAlbany and it happens every day, in every corner of the University.

Beginning this fall, the Office for Public Engagement and the Office of Government and Community Relations will spotlight UAlbany Public Engagement Champions who are making a difference through their work with communities and partners beyond campus.

This month, we’re excited to spotlight Mike Baumgardner, assistant dean of public engagement and enrollment at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC).

Baumgardner is a connector, always looking for ways to bring UAlbany students, faculty and expertise into the community. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations and industry, he creates opportunities for CEHC students to share what they know and introduce people of all ages to everything from cybersecurity and emergency preparedness to technology and gaming.

Under his leadership, CEHC Student Ambassadors visit K-12 schools to lead free, hands-on activities, and perhaps inspire a few future Great Danes along the way. 

What do you find most meaningful about the work you do?

It’s really about seeing the impact of the connections we make. Whether that’s a K-12 student getting excited about learning through technology, gaming or drones, or an initial connection with a partner that could eventually lead to an internship or career opportunity for one of our students, those moments are incredibly rewarding. 

I also love the excitement when we meet someone who is a UAlbany alum, or whose parent or older sibling is a Great Dane. Those moments remind me how important it is for the University to be out in the community building relationships.

What have you learned from the people and communities you’ve worked with?

People really appreciate when UAlbany shows up for them. Partners are genuinely excited to see us at their schools, businesses and community events, and they’re often surprised by how much UAlbany has to offer today. Being willing to go to them, listen to what they need and build relationships over time goes a long way.

Several schools we’ve worked with, including North Colonie, South Colonie and Chatham, have told us they see this as the future of recruitment: meeting students where they are, connecting them with experts and getting them excited about the possibilities ahead.

What’s your advice for someone from UAlbany who wants to get more involved with community work?

Start small. Find a community partner that aligns with your interests and get to know them. The most successful partnerships happen when we work closely with the partner to understand what they actually need rather than going in with a predetermined idea. Sometimes a small project or initial conversation can grow into something much more meaningful over time.

What’s something you enjoy outside of work that might surprise your colleagues?

Most of my colleagues know I’m an active cyclist and enjoy downhill skiing, so maybe there isn’t much mystery there. What they may not know is that I worked on my PhD in Educational Policy and Leadership in UAlbany’s School of Education from 2018 through last December. I’m proud to now be a UAlbany alumnus, and I’m continuing that work by developing publications and planning a book with my faculty advisor.

Who should we spotlight next? Recommend a Public Engagement Champion by emailing Mary Hunt at [email protected].