As of June 1, Rachel Edens joined Tusculum College in the Center for Civic Advancement (CCA) as the new program coordinator. Edens will take over duties from former CCA Director Joyce Doughty, who retired at the end of July after many years of service to the college.
Edens attended the University of North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in African-American studies. She is also a graduate of UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Business Essentials program.
Rachel Edens
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to grow the programs associated with the Center of Civic Advancement,” said Edens. “These programs are essential to the uniqueness of Tusculum College and are part of the overall dedication that Tusculum College has to instilling the value of service in its students.”
Edens relocated to Greeneville to accept an AmeriCorps VISTA position with the Center for Civic Advancement in May of 2010. As a VISTA volunteer, she redeveloped a mentoring initiative between Tusculum’s Bonner Leader Program and Greeneville Middle School, fostered new community partnerships, increased the capacity of service-learning activities and wrote and was awarded a grant by United Healthcare to establish new programming to reduce childhood obesity.
One result of this grant funding was the establishment of a community garden at the Greeneville/Greene County Boys and Girls Club.
“It is great to have Rachel join us permanently, and I’m certain she will be inspiring to students, staff and faculty who participate in the various service projects and programs of the CCA,” said Dr. Melinda Dukes, associate vice president for academic affairs.
The Center for Civic Advancement is dedicated to effecting positive change by promoting social responsibility, social justice and equity through civic engagement and service learning partnerships involving students, campus and the community. The CCA promotes service-learning on Tusculum’s campuses by connecting students to volunteer opportunities in the local area. The Center also provides faculty with resources to incorporate course-related service projects into their classes.
For more information on the Center for Civic Advancement and its programs, contact Edens at (423) 636-7327.