Michael Sharp

Michael Sharp is a Professor at the University of Cincinnati's College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS), where he has led Service-Learning initiatives for nearly seventeen years. He teaches in both the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies and the School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies, and has directed multiple experiential learning programs including Service-Learning, Service-Learning Co-op, and On Campus Co-op under UC's Co-op 2.0 initiative.

His educational background includes an EdD in Urban Educational Leadership (2017), MA in Communication Theory and Practice (2005), and BA in Communication Theory and Practice (2002), all from the University of Cincinnati, along with Firefighter and EMT certifications.

Sharp's research focuses on service-learning, experiential education, and community engagement, with particular emphasis on critical pedagogy through campus-community partnerships. His award-winning dissertation explored how service-learning creates transformative educational experiences in urban settings. He has pioneered innovative approaches like the Service-Learning Collaboratory, which integrates academic reflection with community-based projects across all undergraduate colleges at UC.

His publications, including the co-edited book Mapping the Future of Undergraduate Career Education (2022), demonstrate trends toward equitable career preparation, experiential learning integration, and addressing the changing world of work post-pandemic. His work spans multiple disciplines including education, communication, social justice, and workforce development.

• Dissertation of the Year by Society for Experiential Education (SEE)
• Dean's Award for Innovative Instruction for the Service-Learning Collaboratory

Sharp has secured significant grant funding, including over $1.5 million for the Service-Learning Co-op program and multiple Corporation for National and Community Service grants for student-led philanthropy initiatives. His work has established the University of Cincinnati as a leader in community-engaged teaching and learning, with programs serving over 4,000 student registrations annually across 300+ classes taught by 200+ faculty.

He has developed interdisciplinary community-engaged courses spanning themes including Aging and the Elderly, Nature and Wildlife, Civic Engagement and Servant Leadership, Diversity and Social Justice, Disability Services, Equity in Education, Environment and Sustainability, Health and Wellness, Hunger and Poverty, Public Safety, and Addiction and Substance Abuse.