CHHS Student Receives the Community Impact Student Award

Over the weekend of November 4, Bachelor of Social Work student, Amaria Rankins, was presented with the Community Impact Student Award by NC Campus Engagement for her outstanding commitment and contribution to civic and community engagement. Rankins was selected as the award winner by UNC Wilmington administration after careful consideration of the students who made a lasting impact on their campus. She was honored for her efforts and achievements at the NC Campus Engagement biennial CSNAP Student Conference.

Since 2006, the Community Impact Student Award recognizes an outstanding, full-time undergraduate student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member campus. Award winners are selected by campus leaders and honored during the biennial CSNAP Student Conference. This year, CSNAP was held at NC State University with the theme, “Rising Together: Students Depolarizing North Carolina.”

Rankins was selected as the UNCW CISA winner because she demonstrates a strong commitment to community service and student empowerment. Holding pivotal roles such as President and Community Service Chair of UNCW's Black Women's Association, Rankins has played an instrumental part in constructing an exceptional executive board, programming, and opportunities tailored for Black women and femme presenting individuals. Through her work, Rankins consistently aims to foster a sense of belonging for students within the UNC Wilmington community.

Rankins's role as a mentor for the Excellence Project Mentorship Program within the Upperman African American Cultural Center has been instrumental in recruiting and supporting new first-year students, contributing significantly to the expansion of resources and fostering a vibrant community. Her dedication and influence extend beyond these roles, evident in her active involvement in the UNCW Psychology Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and her research assistantship with Smart Start of New Hanover County.

Rankins's commitment to continuous advocacy work, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic, exemplifies her resilience and commitment to academic excellence while encouraging and supporting her peers to overcome obstacles. Rankins’s drive to pursue the holistic betterment of the community and her exceptional leadership skills position her as a significant contributor to campus life at UNCW.

Rankins graciously accepted the Community Impact Student Award as the UNC Wilmington winner, among 14 other students representing colleges and universities across North Carolina.

North Carolina Campus Engagement (NCCE) is a collaborative network of colleges and universities committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility, partnering with communities for positive change, and strengthening democracy. The NC Campus Engagement state office fosters connections between campuses, shares best practice information and resources, recognizes outstanding work, and champions civic and community engagement in higher education. To learn more visit ncccampusengagement.org