Boston nonprofit organization Campus Compact named Kennesaw State geography major Artis Trice a 2019 Newman Civic Fellow last month for his efforts in conservation.
“This is a great honor to be named the Fellow for the 2019 year,” Trice said. “It is a chance to work with a lot of leaders as well as to draw inspiration from some of the other fellows at other universities. I’m happy that I have the opportunity to grow as a leader and advocate for change.”
Trice said that KSU professor of geography Vanessa Slinger-Friedman introduced him to the Newman Civic Fellow application on the Office of Community Engagement website. After submitting his application, Trice was contacted by OCE Executive Director Brian Wooten for a phone interview, and he accepted into the program soon after.
According to KSU’s website, Trice was one of 264 named to be a 2019 Fellow and the only student from KSU.
“I definitely think the award has put [KSU] in a positive light, as well as highlighted the good things that are happening here,” Trice said. ” I think that this award has shifted some of the negative press Kennesaw has been receiving. With the Twitter post Kennesaw created when I won the award, I feel like more attention has been brought to the arboretum, diversity and inclusion as well as the success of minorities at the school.”
Trice said he intends to implement a braille trail for the Arboretum so that visually-impaired students may be able to enjoy the space. Trice will also study abroad in May where he will participate in public health and agriculture to understand how culture and the environment connect with health in communities.
According to Campus Compact, the Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-focused students who innovate and problem-solve at Campus Compact member institutions. The fellowship provides students with training and resources that develop their skills and enhance their passions for developing strategies for social change.
The fellowship is a year-long program and provides virtual learning opportunities and various networking possibilities.
For additional information, visit compact.org.
