Monday, July 17, 2017

Jacquelyn Lee, an assistant professor of social work, has been named a 2017-18 Engaged Faculty Scholar for NC Campus Compact.

As an Engaged Faculty Scholar, Lee will undertake a research or administrative project designed to deepen the scholarship of campus-community engagement. She will also serve as consultant to a North Carolina college or university seeking to expand service-learning and community engagement. Lee will serve as a scholar for one year.

“Student success encompasses holistic development, which is achieved by empowering students with the knowledge, skills, values and motivation to engage thoughtfully in the world around them,” said Lee. “The degree to which civic engagement positively affects students and the community heavily depends upon the sense of community within the university itself. I have benefited immensely from a culture at UNCW that values faculty development. I’m eager to continue strengthening this supportive culture by sharpening our focus on civic-minded teaching and scholarship.”

Lee’s project will focus on faculty learning through the development of the Civic Engagement Collaborative, a community of faculty committed to positively influencing society through civic and community engagement. The CEC is a campus-wide initiative at UNCW that will also invite faculty from a partnering institution. The group will meet to encourage professional development, consultation and collaborative scholarship. Lee’s role will also include undertaking an interdisciplinary, applied learning project focused on social justice.

Stacey Kolomer, director of UNCW's School of Social Work, recommended Lee for the program.

“Dr. Lee thoughtfully engages organizations and develops connections that mutually benefit student learning and communities,” Kolomer said. “She also works tirelessly to examine how she can incorporate new ideas into her teaching. We are thrilled that she was selected to be an Engaged Faculty Scholar and for the experiences she will have in the coming year. “

Lee has been involved in campus-wide initiatives on applied learning, critical thinking and general education assessment. In 2016, she was awarded the Discere Aude Award for undergraduate mentoring. 

NC Campus Compact, hosted by Elon University, is a collaborative network of 37 colleges and universities with a shared commitment to educating engaged citizens and strengthening communities.

-- Venita Jenkins

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