Service Learning, Center for Community Engagement Represented at Recent Higher-Ed Conferences

Representatives from across the University of Arkansas showcased their work in Service Learning, civic engagement, and experiential education at two recent conferences: Compact26 in Chicago and the Gulf-South Summit in Houston. Together, faculty, staff, and students highlighted how the U of A is advancing community-engaged learning and building partnerships that empower both students and the broader community. 

Compact26, held annually, focuses on the role of higher education in building healthy communities and fostering a just, equitable democracy. This year's theme, "Hope Found Here," guided conference discussions and presentations. 

The Service Learning Initiative was featured in several inspiring sessions. Noelle Kingsbauer, Service Learning Coordinator, presented the poster "Leveraging Coordinated Support to Strengthen Faculty-Led Service Learning," which highlighted SLI structures that help faculty design and sustain high-impact Service Learning courses. Kingsbauer was joined by Service Learning Initiative Director Lisa Bowers. 

Bowers additionally co-presented with Laura Gray, teaching associate professor of English. Their poster, "Building Multidisciplinary Community Engagements that Matter," explored cross-departmental partnerships and the value of collaborative, community-driven learning experiences. 

Students from the Center for Community Engagement's Volunteer Action Center, Natalie O'Brien, Esther Beller, Jacob Holmes, Gwen Keith-Powell, Lillian Griffith, and Amanda Marquez, presented "Advocacy in Volunteerism: The CCE's Student-Led Approach to Bridging Community and Civic Service." Their work highlighted how student leadership strengthens volunteerism and deepens civic learning. CCE Director Donna Jones and Assistant Director Delaney Farris-Dyer accompanied the students and provided support throughout the conference.

Teaching associate professor Angela Mensah (Communications) presented a roundtable session titled "UARK Girls Group with Beauty Redefined and Washington County Courthouse: Beyond Resilience." Her discussion centered on her innovative Service Learning program, which empowers young women to challenge beauty norms, build resilience, and engage in civic dialogue. Her work exemplifies the power of student-led community engagement and the impact of long-term community partnerships. 

Following Compact26, Mensah continued on to the Gulf-South Summit, representing the Service Learning Initiative at this regional conference focused on Service Learning and civic engagement in higher education. This year's Summit, themed "Bridging the Bayou: Pathways of Community," brought together educators and practitioners dedicated to advancing experiential learning. 

At GSS, Mensah presented the poster "Beyond Resilience: Student-Led Pathways to Belonging and Community," which was awarded the 2026 Poster Award for Outstanding Impact. This poster expanded on the transformative impact of her program and its role in fostering belonging, empowerment, and partnership-building. 

Together, these presentations demonstrate the U of A's collective commitment to high-impact, community-engaged learning. The Service Learning Initiative, along with faculty, staff, and students across campus, continues to build pathways that connect academic learning with real-world impact, strengthening both our students and the communities served.