Public research universities face enormous challenges in the 21st century: waning fiscal support, a loss of public confidence, and a persistent lack of diversity. Perhaps no challenge is more compelling, however, than the obligation to serve society. The time has come for increased commitment to and removal of barriers preventing socially relevant research and learning and the cross-disciplinary and collaborative forms of investigation that complex social issues demand. In this article, the author discusses how service to communities has already taken a backseat to university research and teaching. The author contends that this development has resulted into a lost opportunity for "academic engagement"--collaboration across disciplines and partnerships with the community that might produce solutions to society's most vexing problems. (Contains 6 resources.)