Awards & Recognition

In my academic career, I have consistently aimed to integrate scholarly excellence with impactful community engagement, and disciplinary service, fostering a culture of civic responsibility and social transformation. My recognitions and awards reflect this commitment and highlight the positive influence of my work across various sectors. The sections below outline the accolades and peer recognition I have received, underscoring my dedication to Community Development, Professional Development and Engaged Scholarship. The awards from professional societies, industry partners, government agencies, and the university community illustrate the breadth of my contributions and the acknowledgment of my efforts by diverse stakeholders. Peer recognition further demonstrates the respect and appreciation from colleagues and collaborators in my field. Together, these honours encapsulate my unwavering dedication to leveraging academic expertise for societal benefit.

Awards

Professional Societies:

• 2024: Inaugurated member of the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship (ACES): (See UWC press release at the following link: https://www.uwc.ac.za/news-and-announcements/news/distinguished-recognition-dr-cornel-hart-joins-global-academy-of-community-engagement-scholars

• 2017: International Community Development Best Practice Award – Community Development Society (CDS) (See UWC press release at the following link: https://www.uwc.ac.za/news-and-announcements/news/cornel-hart-wins-community-development-society-award-798

Higher Education:

• 2024: UWC DVC: Academic, Special Awards 2024: UWC SoE-SI design and implementation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhxjYMbkIc4

• 2019: UWC DVC: Research & Innovation Exchange Scholarship Grant: 

• 2017: Erasmus+ Mobility Staff for Training Grant: International Partnership Development for Research and Postgraduate Studies capacity development.

Government:

• 2015: Nominated Commissioner for the 2nd round of the NDP: Vision 2030 commissions.

Peer Recognition

Invitations to Write:

• 2022: Book Review: Does community development work? Stories and practice for reconstructed community development in South Africa. Community Development Journal.

• 2022: A Community Level Well-being Assessment Tool for Integrative Partnerships in Community Development. JJDMS Special Edition.

• 2018: Accredited and Standardized Community Development Qualifications: Part and Parcel of the Professionalization Process of Practitioners in South Africa. Practice Insights Issue 11.

Letters of Appreciation:

• Received numerous letters of appreciation from professional societies, industry partners, and community organizations for service contributions. Specific letters and instances can be provided upon request. I share two examples at the end of this page and the following link regarding an article I was invited to write for the Cape Argus, https://pressreader.com/article/281719796387429

This comprehensive approach to engaged service reflects my commitment to integrating academic excellence with meaningful societal impact, fostering a culture of civic responsibility, and driving social transformation.