BVU Selected to Lead Civic Learning and Engagement Initiatives by Industry Expert
The initiative comprises a network of colleges and universities committed to encouraging and highlighting the work of student affairs in making civic learning and democratic engagement a part of every student’s college education.
Buena Vista University has again been selected as a NASPA Lead Initiative Institution for the 2018-19 year. Additionally, this is the first year the University has been invited to take on the role of a Lead Consulting Institution.
NASPA’s Lead Initiative on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (Lead Initiative) comprises a network of NASPA member colleges and universities committed to encouraging and highlighting the work of student affairs in making civic learning and democratic engagement a part of every student’s college education. Serving as a consulting institution will require BVU to lead a cohort of campuses in discussion and learning throughout the 2018-19 school year. Participating campuses in the cohort include: Bellarmine University, Washington University in St. Louis, Arkansas Tech University, Wichita State University, Utah State University, and Weber State University.
"It’s an honor to work with schools who are leaders in the nation in this work and to know that we have the opportunity to share with them the great things happening at BVU."
Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson
BVU’s Lead Initiative representative is Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, interim vice president of student affairs and dean of students. Her role is to develop and share resources to better support the cohort and their work, facilitate dialogue among the schools, and find ways to strategize how to advance their work. The Lead program provides her with the opportunity to mentor other directors and learn from them in new ways.
She says, “I am really looking forward to partnering with state, private, and technical schools to share resources, develop new and exciting programs, and find ways to serve communities and students we work alongside. It’s an honor to work with schools who are leaders in the nation in this work and to know that we have the opportunity to share with them the great things happening at BVU.” Farmer-Hanson also serves on the NASPA Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement Knowledge Community National Leadership Team, which approaches student affairs from a national level.
The NASPA Foundation works to advance the student affairs profession by recognizing achievements, supporting meaningful research, and honoring the legacy of NASPA and student affairs leaders, scholars, and practitioners. It also offers unique professional development opportunities such as conferences and webinars, targeted resources, networking, and recognition for its Lead Institutions.