Dr. Kathy Nordyke has been busy lately. Not to say that supporting service-learning across all of Missouri State’s campus isn’t already enough. But in less than a year’s time, the Citizenship & Service-Learning director has also added oversight of the Fuse program, operating the eJournal of Public Affairs (EJOPA), and co-leading the multi-year long, university-wide Carnegie Re-Classification for Community Engagement to her list of responsibilities.
We have an opportunity to help create stronger connections between student work or research and addressing real issues in the community
On the surface, it’s easy to say that this all serves to underscore her commitment to serving the university’s public affairs mission. That’s certainly part of the equation, but the rest reveals a more complex strategy: a future that envisions more holistic and highly connective forms of service-learning.
When asked, Dr. Nordyke defines it as a civic engagement mindset:
“With attributes of civic engagement at the front of the thought process, we have an opportunity to help create stronger connections between student work or research and addressing real issues in the community. I often say that service-learning is a vehicle that moves the public affairs mission forward. Well, civic engagement can be seen as the driver.”
Dr. Nordyke says guidance from university leadership, resources from AASCU, and her own research into today’s educational needs are the motives behind this mindset.
“Current students face current challenges and require high-value opportunities that will undoubtedly prepare them for being active citizens in their communities. Not maybe prepare them, or kind of introduce them, but truly and significantly get them ready for working in the real world and making a positive difference.”
Dr. Nordyke’s gets the inaugural spotlight because her passion for student success is foundational to her strategy. Sure, she works hard to instill a sense of purpose and enthusiasm among students and faculty alike. But Fuse, EJOPA, and the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement renewal are not just projects for her; they are avenues through which she cultivates a culture of civic responsibility and active community involvement within the university.
Read more about Dr. Nordyke and her contributions to the university mission: https://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/BOGPublicAffairs/kathy-nordyke-excellence-in-public-affairs.htm
You can contact Dr. Nordyke for any questions – it’s true, we checked – related to the wide array of projects she leads (service-learning, Fuse, eJournal of Public Affairs, Carnegie Certification and more):
KatherineNordyke@MissouriState.edu | 417-836-5744
If you know a someone involved in service-learning that deserves a spotlight, please let us know by contacting our handy tipline:
ServiceLearning@MissouriState.edu
Charles Whitaker and Ethan Gambriel