From Students to Citizens: How Campus Compact Builds Community Leaders

About the Episode: We’re proud this week to feature Natalie Furlett and Will Brummett from Campus Compact, an organization dedicated to promoting civic engagement in higher education. Natalie and Will discuss their roles and share the impactful work Campus Compact does to support student and institutional outcomes. They explore the importance of student voice, community engagement, and the positive effects of these efforts on students' personal and professional development. The conversation highlights the significance of fostering strong town-gown relationships and integrating civic engagement into the core of higher education.

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Key Takeaways

• Civic Engagement as a Catalyst for Student Growth: Programs like the Newman Civic Fellowship empower students to become active changemakers, building critical skills and social capital.
• Institutional Benefits of Community Engagement: Universities can enhance student retention, foster stronger community ties, and position themselves as leaders in societal transformation through civic initiatives.
• The Role of Student Voice: Elevating student perspectives leads to more inclusive, impactful programs and builds trust between institutions and their communities.
• Self-Care for Sustained Impact: Higher ed professionals must prioritize personal and collective care to model healthy leadership and ensure long-term success in civic engagement work.

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Episode Summary

What is Campus Compact, and Why Does It Matter?

Campus Compact is a nonprofit network supporting colleges and universities in civic engagement and community partnerships. Natalie Furlett, Senior Director for Member and Student Engagements, emphasizes their mission: to help institutions graduate better citizens—not just career-ready individuals. By connecting campuses with their local communities, Campus Compact enables a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources.

Will Brummett, Student Engagement Manager, highlights the Newman Civic Fellowship, which brings together student leaders nationwide to foster innovation and collaboration. These fellows work on projects ranging from AI-driven chatbots for senior citizens to philanthropic efforts addressing homelessness, showcasing the diversity of civic engagement.

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What Are the Positive Impacts on Students?

1. Building Social Capital: Programs like the Newman Civic Fellowship connect students with peers and mentors nationwide, creating networks that extend beyond their academic careers.
2. Developing Leadership Skills: Civic initiatives cultivate emotional intelligence, adaptability, and practical skills such as teamwork and problem-solving.
3. Boosting Academic and Career Success: Research shows that students involved in civic engagement perform better academically and gain critical competencies that make them highly employable.

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How Does Civic Engagement Benefit Institutions?

1. Enhancing Student Retention and Satisfaction: Community-based learning creates a more enriching academic experience, tying classroom lessons to real-world applications.
2. Strengthening Town-Gown Relationships: Collaborations with local communities improve institutional reputation and foster goodwill.
3. Driving Institutional Innovation: Integrating civic engagement into the curriculum opens doors for interdisciplinary research and creative problem-solving.

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How is Campus Compact Adapting to the Current Moment?

Will Brummett explains Campus Compact’s shift to student-centered programming, exemplified by the Student Design Fellows initiative. This project ensures that students’ voices shape the future of civic engagement efforts, reflecting a broader trend of shared leadership in higher education.

Natalie Furlett highlights partnerships with organizations like the Allstate Foundation and Lumina Foundation to expand civic engagement opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and innovation.

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About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and  I Wanna Work There. 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. 

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