The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows make the most of their college experience to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change.
Dr. Shouan Pan, Mesa Community College President, wholeheartedly nominated Campbell for this recognition, stating in a letter, “Kaycee has been an influential agent for campus and community involvement during her time at Mesa Community College (MCC). Her involvement in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society served as a catalyst for Kaycee to become committed to civic engagement. Her various Chapter, Regional, and International roles in PTK have taught Kaycee the importance of identifying needs within communities and tailoring high quality projects to address them.” He continued, stating, “Through her concerted efforts with student organizations, Kaycee has shown repeatedly that she is attentive to the growth and well-being of others.”
Over the past two years, Campbell devoted more than 2,000 volunteer hours, giving back to her community as a servant-leader. The majority of her volunteerism came in addition to her status as a full-time student, and while working part-time.
In her first year as a student leader, Campbell served as the College Project Officer of Phi Theta Kappa, where she led a team of students and staff to conceptualize the college’s first financial literacy program, which is still active 18 months later. She continued to serve this organization as the Honors in Action Officer, leading yet another team to inspire community members to act upon water accessibility issues in the United States and around the world. Campbell was able to secure a representative from the United Nations to present a keynote address on the subject at MCC, where more than 150 students, staff and community members attended.
Campbell recently finished her year term of service as the Arizona Region President of Phi Theta Kappa and ran for the International Vice-President of PTK’s Division IV.
In her personal statement, Campbell stated that something inside her activated when she learned the term servant-leader. “It was as though a flame ignited within me, and with it came a burning passion to lead others through service. …I serve my community through volunteerism, but I serve the future by encouraging others.”
Newman Civic Fellows are named in honor of Frank Newman, who dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform. More information on Newman and the Civic Fellows awards is available at http://compact.org/initiatives/awards-programs/the-frank-newman-leadership-award/about-frank-newman/
# # #
Contact
Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.