Daniel Carter, assistant professor of environmental studies, has been awarded a 2020 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. He is the fifth Sewanee recipient in the last nine years.
Daniel Carter, assistant professor of environmental studies and academic civic engagement leader, has been awarded a 2020 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. The awards are presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to recognize exemplary public service.
Carter was nominated for his civic initiatives in Marion County and his work with Sewanee students on those initiatives. Previous University of the South recipients of the Harold Love Award are Dixon Myers, associate director of civic engagement, 2019; James Peterman, professor of philosophy and director of civic engagement, 2015; Carrie Ryan, C’12; and Professor of Religion Gerald Smith, 2011.
Carter has been involved in two different community-building projects in Marion County: place-making education in the schools as well as the creation of support programming for at-risk youth. In a Sewanee education course, Curriculum Design for Place-Based Education, Carter’s students work with faculty and local experts on the history and geology of Marion County. Their work provides Marion County High School teachers with modules that enhance student learning about the geology, environmental history, and issues facing Marion County, including geology/physical history, and coal and railroads.
In his second project, Carter has worked closely with government and community leaders in Marion County to bring an 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 embodies what is best about the integration of academic expertise with dedicated service to local communities,” said Vice-Chancellor Emeritus John McCardell. “Because of his passionate but thoughtful work 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.”
“I received this award because Sewanee students enthusiastically embraced class projects that were meaningful to the communities beyond Sewanee,” Carter said. “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.”
As a local farmer and expert in land-use policy, Carter serves as a liaison representing farming viewpoints to the conservation community, and translates scientific and policy issues to fellow farmers. His most recent service includes as a founding board member of the Thrive Regional Partnership (2016-present); Natural Treasures Alliance of the Thrive Partnership, chair (2014- present); and Tennessee River Gorge Trust, president of the board (2010-12).
