Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women are both being recognized nationally, with MSU being named to the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its community service activities, and MUW also being named to the honor roll.
The annual challenge is sponsored by the Federal Corporation for National and Community Service to recognize “colleges and universities for exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.”
Winners are selected on the basis of the scope and innovation of their projects, percentage of students participating, incentives for service, and extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses, among other criteria.
“We are deeply gratified to receive this honor,” said Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement Director Cade Smith. “It represents the very hard work of more than 1,400 student, faculty and staff volunteers who devoted countless hours to some 125 projects over the past year.
“We also are very appreciative of President Mark Keenum, Provost Jerry Gilbert, Student Affairs Vice President Bill Kibler, and other key administrators for their support and encouragement of, as well as participation in, our activities,” he added.
MSU service and engagement activities include, LeaderState, a week-long leadership immersion held on campus for rising high school seniors; Day One Leadership Community, a freshman co-residential program focusing on shared academic and service experiences; G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Leadership Program, a two-year program to help juniors and seniors enhance their communication, analytical and management skills; and Maroon Volunteer Center, a student-driven initiative that encourages and supports community involvement and service.
“We are truly honored by this recognition,” said MUW President Dr. Jim Borsig. “I am very appreciative of all faculty, staff and students for their commitment to community service and dedication to making a difference. Community service is important in developing leadership skills among our students. It is also an opportunity for faculty and staff to demonstrate leadership through service on campus and in the community.”
MUW students, faculty and staff completed 263,000 hours of community service in 2010-2011. Service programs included weekend service trips to assist with disaster recovery efforts, summer programs benefiting students in at-risk school districts in the state and service-learning projects helping students learn more about their field of study, while helping Golden Triangle residents.
“Our students, faculty and staff are examples how a small group of committed people can make a huge impact on the region,” said MUW Coordinator of Leadership and Service Jessica Harpole. “Hopefully, others will follow this example of servant leadership and get connected to a project that they can be passionate about.”
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