Combining research and faculty development

Folks,

I'd like to know of any programs/centers/departments that have attempted
to link a serious research agenda to the offering of support to faculty
and communities in creating partnerships, s-l courses and action research
projects.  I know of several research-centered efforts that have studied
the impact of s-l on student learning, etc., but do not really know of any
efforts that have combined this kind of research with practice in a kind
of symbiotic relationship --combining theory and practice, research and
action in a kind of "praxis."  This research agenda might include:
assessing student learning, community impacts, changing institutional
roles, etc.  Action might include: offering workshops to faculty and
community, faculty/community seminars, developing student leadership, etc.

I know this might sound kind of vague. 

Regards,

Chris Koliba 
John Dewey Project
UVM