Five Sewanee outreach teams left campus for their 2023 spring break adventures! Overall, close to 50 students and staff journeyed to communities near and far to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones, to work with community partners to create positive change, and to consider their role as active citizens.
You could say that liberal education is a process, not a product. As part of this process, all Bonner and Canale leaders complete a digital reflection video at the end of their time with the program. The creation of these Digital Stories allows students to enter into thoughtful reflection and helps them to make sense of their service experiences as they prepare to say goodbye to the mountain
Daniel Carter, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, and Academic Civic Engagement Leader, is the recipient of a 2020 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. These awards are presentedby the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to recognize exemplary public service.
Daniel Carter was nominated for his civic initiatives in his homeplace, Marion County, and his work with Sewanee students on these initiatives.
As a local farmer and land use policy expert, he serves as a liaison that can represent farming viewpoints to the conservation community, as well as translate scientific and policy issues to fellow farmers. His most recent service includes The Thrive Regional Partnership, founding board member (2016- Present); Natural Treasures Alliance of The Thrive Partnership, chair (2014- present); Tennessee River Gorge Trust, president of the board (2010-2012).
Daniel has, moreover, involved himself in two different community-building projects in Marion County:: placemaking education in the schools as well as the creation of support programming for at-risk youth. In his Education course at the University, Curriculum Design for Place-Based Education, students work with faculty and local experts on the history and geology of Marion County, to provide Marion County High School teachers teaching modules to enhance student learning about the geology and environmental history and issues facing Marion County: 1) geology/physical history, 2) coal and railroads. Daniel has worked closely with government and community leaders in Marion County to bring a YMCA, Y-CAP early intervention and prevention program for youth ages 10-15 who have been referred to the program either through the juvenile court system or the school system.
“Daniel Carter embodies what is best about the integration of academic expertise with dedicated service to local communities. Because of his passionate but thoughtful work in and with local and regional leaders, I can think of no one more worthy of receiving the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award than Daniel Carter,” said Vice-Chancellor emeritus John McCardell.
“I received this award because Sewanee students enthusiastically embraced class projects that were meaningful to the communities beyond Sewanee, Carter. “ I see this as a collective award, demonstrating Sewanee's commitment to Civic Engagement. I have enjoyed watching Sewanee students move on to careers that are centered on the public good. A friend of mine, who is a conservation leader in the region, recently hired two Sewanee grads and he said to me: "There is truly something special about Sewanee students." and this is why I love to work here.”
Previous recipients of the award from the University of the South are Dixon Myers, Associate Director of Civic Engagement, 2019; James Peterman, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Civic Engagement, 2015, Carrie Ryan, Anthropology, C’12, and Professor of Religion, Gerald Smith, 2011.
“We are committed to practicing and fostering active global citizenship at the University of the South,” said Vice-Chancellor John McCardell. “This study not only shows how far we have come in a short time, but also the commitment of the University and its students to lives of democratic engagement.”
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.
