Alfred State Named Lead Institution in Civic Engagement by National Association

This month,Alfred Statewas selected to participate in a national initiative on civic learning and democratic engagement. The college has been named one of 70 colleges and universities in the nation as a Lead Institution by NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the leading voice for the student affairs profession.

“Alfred State is pleased to be selected to participate in NASPA’s network of institutions dedicated to developing students’ sense of civic identity, as civic engagement is a core value of higher education,” says Director of Civic Engagement Jonathan Hilsher. “Being recognized as a national leader in this field reflects our institutional commitment to civic leadership, the quality of our current efforts, and our ongoing commitment to inspiring students to develop innovative solutions to community challenges and opportunities.”

Alfred State’s commitment to civic engagement is deeply embedded in the college’s unique approach to education through project-based learning experiences. By coupling real-world learning situations with a focus on meaningful civic engagement opportunities, Alfred State students are able to make significant contributions to communities around the world and are frequently among the first to lend their skills and knowledge to those in need, including communities devastated by Super Storm Sandy and Haitian communities recovering from the 2010 earthquake. Last year, more than 2,000 Alfred State students contributed more than 46,000 hours of service, civic leadership, and workforce-ready knowledge to communities in need.

As a participating institution in NASPA’s initiative, Alfred State will continue to encourage students’ civic development through thoughtful community partnerships, engaging leadership opportunities, and democratic participation.

To learn more about NASPA’s Lead Initiative and view a complete listing of participating institutions, visit the NASPA website.