The Washington Center Honors TSU

Dr. Melvin Johnson, President of TSU

College One of First Recipients of Higher Education Civic Engagement Award
WASHINGTON – The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is pleased to announce the selection of Tennessee State University for a Higher Education Civic Engagement Award. Tennessee State was selected for integrating service with teaching and research, and engaging educators, staff, and students in activities that benefit their communities as well as themselves.

“Tennessee State University continues to demonstrate an exemplary effort in promoting leadership within the community for public service and civic engagement,” said Mike Smith, President of The Washington Center. “We have a network of more than 40,000 alumni who’ve gone through our internship programs, and these are values we’ve instilled in all of them. It’s gratifying to partner with a university that does the same.”

TSU’s plan to increase the civic engagement of faculty, staff and students by institutionalizing service learning and civic engagement will significantly increase research, outreach and public service efforts to impact the quality of life of all Tennesseans and ensure the life-long economic stability and viability of the State. As it fulfills these goals, the university aims to distinguish itself as a campus that creates interdisciplinary approaches to generate and communicate knowledge that meaningfully contributes to the well-being of society.

"Service learning and civic engagement are both an integral part of the tradition of excellence to which Tennessee State University has made a commitment,” said Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, President of Tennessee State University. “We know that to truly transform the nation and impact the world, we have to start at home by engaging and supporting our community with the help of students, faculty and staff. We are so proud to be a recipient of this prestigious award."

The winners of the Higher Education Civic Engagement Awards were chosen among a large set of nominees. The five winners represent some of the very best efforts to foster civic learning in this country. This year's Higher Education Civic Engagement Award honorees are: Cabrini College, Elon University, Tennessee State University, Villanova University, and Wartburg College.

The awards were given during The Washington Center’s annual Academic Affairs Awards

The luncheon was held at the National Press Club. The awards serve to honor many of The Washington Center’s academic partners, sponsors, agencies, faculty and other supporters who assist in providing strong academic programs for students.

About The Washington Center

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C., for academic credit. The largest program of its kind, The Washington Center has more than 40,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world. It was established in 1975.

(As National Mentoring Month comes to a close, thank you Dr. Johnson for your leadership and the mentoring opportunities you are establishing at Tennessee State University for your students.)