Nonprofit and Civic Engagement (NPACE) Center: Building Mutually Beneficial Community Relationships

Authors

  • Christopher J. McCollough Columbus State University
  • Danna Gibson Columbus State University
  • Richard L. Baxter Columbus State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JNEL-2020-9075

Keywords:

nonprofit centers, community outreach, service learning, impact, learning outcomes

Abstract

This paper discusses the purpose, reach, and function of the Non-Profit and Civic Engagement (NPACE) Center in the Department of Communication. Additionally, it explores how the ground-up creation of NPACE resulted from a thorough examination of the strengths and needs of both department and community and how the center offers substantive solutions to meet real-life challenges of both. Along the way, the paper addresses how faculty members negotiated with faculty and administrators across campus to gain support to launch the center. Moreover, the paper discusses key achievements of a few select projects executed in the past 5 years of service to the university and community. It also addresses the value of NPACE to its students, including a recent trend that has potential for further examination regarding the effect of the learning model and the center on fostering the civic and community engagement of graduates. Finally, the paper discusses emerging challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for NPACE.

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Author Biographies

Christopher J. McCollough, Columbus State University

Dr. McCollough is an Associate Professor of Communication  where he teaches Public Relations, Political Communication, Networked Communication and Mass Communication courses at Columbus State University. His research blends the applied practice of public relations, the teaching and learning of public relations, and various forms of impact on communities through the application of high-impact learning practices. Within the study of public relations and political communication, Dr. McCollough focuses on the working relationships between state government public information officers and journalists. Dr. McCollough’s scholarship has also grown to include the study of the impact on student learning and successful employment upon graduation in public relations through the application of industry elements in a service-learning setting. Dr. McCollough has expanded his scope of scholarship to include the study of community impact of a service-learning curriculum. 

Danna Gibson, Columbus State University

Dr. Gibson is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at Columbus State University. 

Professor Gibson has research interests in family communication, organizational communication and how communication helps maintain a sense of community and connection in our lives. She joined this faculty in 2001 after teaching at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN.

Professor Gibson views communication as praxis- the action -that can create a sense of connection in families, workplaces, and in communities; without which, leaves individuals feeling disillusioned and cynical. Her research has been published in state, regional, national communication journals and Communication Yearbook 28. She is the author of numerous convention presentations and has co-authored an on-line public speaking textbook entitled: Empowering your public voice.

Professor Gibson serves her communication discipline as a manuscript reviewer for Southern Communication Journal and is an officer in the American Communication Association.

Richard L. Baxter, Columbus State University

Dr. Richard Baxter is Associate Vice President for Engagement & Economic Development in the Office of University Advancement at Columbus State University. Prior to this role, Baxter served as Dean of the College of the Arts (2012-2018) and Chair of the Department of Communication at Columbus State University (2005-2012). He played a critical role in the early development of the department's service learning curriculum, and was one of the first architects of NPACE alongside Dr. Danna Gibson.

Baxter's research interests include public relations, political communication, and economic development.

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Published

2021-01-05

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Program and Center Administration

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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