A Strategic Shift to Community Engagement

It is my pleasure to announce that the Center for Service & Learning (CS&L) has been renamed the Center for Community Engagement (CCE). The name change demonstrates the University’s commitment to community engagement (CE), both at the curricular and co-curricular levels, as well as the evolution and accomplishments within the CS&L.

The CS&L was established in fall 2015 to help support the University’s strategic plan, Francis 2020, aiming to enhance student engagement in community service. And while community service is very much valued at Saint Francis University, CE is a much broader umbrella. Implies DOING WITH a community partner for mutual benefit, whereas community service can be thought of as DOING FOR a community partner.

CE is also recognized as one can of the eight innovative strategies that universities embrace to respond creatively to today’s challenging higher education environment (Innovation and the Independent College, a report by the Council of Independent College, March 2018).

Thank you to the many faculty and staff who are working so diligently to develop and sustain community partnerships for positive impact in our communities. In particular, gratitude to the members of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Community Engagement. (see pg. 16)

I would like to recognize Dr. Marshall Welch, CE guru, consultant and friend. His book, “Engaging Higher Education: Purpose, Platforms & Programs for Community Engagement,” (2016, Stylus Publishing) is a guiding light for us as we chart our path.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge that this strategic shift would not be possible without President’s Council’s support. In particular, gratitude to Father Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, Ph.D., University President, and Dr. Karan Powell, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, for their commitment to community engagement. A special thank you to the Father Joe Lehman, TOR, Ph.D., former Vice President for Mission Integration, who has been a champion for this strategic initiative over the past three years. Gratefully and humbly,

Lisa Georgiana Director, Center for Community Engagement