BVU Staff Member Chosen to Lead Civic Learning Initiative
BVU again selected as a NASPA Lead Initiative Institution, and Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson named to National Board for Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement.
Buena Vista University has again been selected as a NASPA Lead Initiative Institution for the 2019-20 year. Additionally, Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, assistant vice president of Student Success and director of Community Engagement, has been chosen to serve on the National Board for Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE).
“As part of this national board, I’ll work with people across the country to implement community engagement practices,” Farmer-Hanson says. “It is important work and such a great honor for BVU to be included among so many great leaders and institutions.”
NASPA’s Lead Initiative on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement 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. Only 46 institutions in the U.S. are classified as Lead entities, universities such as Wake Forest, Washington State, and George Mason. BVU represents the lone Iowa institution recognized.
“To be on the national board and for me to have the responsibility of leading Midwest institutions is humbling, and awe-inspiring” says Farmer-Hanson, a 2007 BVU graduate and the University’s 2019 Education for Service honoree. “To have the opportunity to connect with peers and then to share ideas about how our campus in growing in ways of service is exciting. It is awesome to be able to talk about commitments like Buenafication Day, Education for Service, A.W.O.L., and so many other efforts that have helped our students grow in ways they maybe couldn’t imagine.”
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.
Buena Vista University first earned a placement on this prestigious list in 2013.