Civic engagement brings people together to participate in collaborative, transformational learning that is life enriching and socially beneficial. Together, we cultivate knowledge, resources, and relationships to advance the well-being of communities atop the South Cumberland Plateau and beyond.
Civic engagement activates classroom learning by involving students, community partners, and faculty in collaborative projects that address pressing challenges and pursue promising solutions. Civic engagement is integrated across the curriculum through the Community Engaged Learning program (CEL), and the Certificate in Civic and Global Leadership.
Civic engagement interns invest in communities while deepening their leadership and professional skills. The Office of Civic Engagement supports multiple summer and academic year internships.
Outreach Trips are experiential learning and service opportunities that send groups of students and staff to destinations across the globe during Fall, Winter, and Spring Breaks. These trips link students with long-term partners and community development projects beyond the Mountain.
The Community Engagement House seeks to bridge the gap between the College and surrounding area through active outreach. The “CoHo” hosts events and conversations that promote a seamless community among residents of the surrounding area, University students, staff, and faculty.
The Office of Civic Engagement can help chart your civic engagement pathway at Sewanee. Develop knowledge and skills, engage in dialogue, and take action on campus or in the local community.
Dixon Myers, associate director of the university’s Office of Civic Engagement, is the recipient of a 2019 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. The awards are presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to recognize demonstrated effectiveness in public service.
Myers was nominated for his work to connect Sewanee students with neighbors both locally and around the world. By creating homes for people in need, giving hundreds of students the chance to serve in communities across the world, and through his efforts to create and amplify connections, Myers has established sustainable programs that will continue to change lives.
“While our current programs in civic engagement employ the labor, love, and energy of many people, all of that enthusiastic and effective connection with the community has its genesis in the work of Dixon Myers,” said Vice-Chancellor John McCardell in his letter nominating Myers. “He is not only a creative force but an amplifying one. Dixon does not just do service; he embodies service.”
“It is an honor to be selected for this award,” said Myers. “My long-term commitment to service and community engagement has been truly life-giving and the University of the South has given me the greatest opportunity to fulfill this. The support of my staff and faculty colleagues, as well as all of the students I have had the great fortune to work with, has been invaluable.”
The University of the South has a long history of involvement with communities on the Cumberland Plateau. Besides helping start and sustain the community foundation, the school also established the Office of Civic Engagement, which connects the university directly to local agencies.
We work with community partners to design and implement collaborative projects that strengthen our partners, broaden community, and make connections that last.
Through fellowships, workshops, and course support we advance civic learning and community-engaged scholarship that pursues community-identified projects and deepens student learning.
We envision students as active global citizens advancing economic, social, and environmental well-being. Develop the knowledge and skills to become a changemaker in the local community and beyond.
