About CCE

Staff
Christy Kayser, Director, Center for Community Engagement
601-266-6467
christy.kayser@usm.edu 

About CCE 
The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) coordinates meaningful and mutually beneficially community engagement experiences to address university and community needs, effect positive social change, and cultivate active citizen leaders.

Our Programs

• Volunteer opportunity database
• One-on-one advising for students and faculty about volunteer opportunities and connections with community organizations
• Faculty support and student funding for community-engaged research
• Training and support for service activities incorporated into the classroom (i.e. service-learning)
• Citizen Scholars distinction for students
• Referrals and connections for community organizations 

Community engagement describes reciprocal partnerships between campus and community members that are designed to serve a public purpose and to build the capacity of individuals, groups, and  organizations involved to understand and collaboratively address issues of public concern. 

CCE Priorities 

1. CCE, in collaboration with community partners, will support and implement high quality initiatives that benefit the public good.
2. CCE will promote a university culture of service through interdisciplinary service-learning, collaborative programming, and direct work with students.
3. Participants in CCE’s programs will
   • discover and develop competencies that will benefit them now and in the future.
   • demonstrate a critical understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultures.
   • develop a sense of civic identity and continued commitment to public action.
   • learn to maximize their roles in leadership and involvement to contribute to meaningful action.

Other Service Contacts at USM:

Jason Quigley, Coordinator, Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program (volunteers)
601-266-5981
jason.quigleyFREEMississippi  

Scott N. Mullins, TRIAD AmeriCorps (volunteers)
601-266-6129
scott.mullinsFREEMississippi%C2%A0

Delores McNair, Office of Community and Belonging (large-scale service days and community work-study)
601-266-6037
delores.mcnairFREEMississippi