Center for Strong Communities

Dr. Billy Newton “Fall of 2009 is a time for considering greater involvement in issues that matter most to our communities. Our mission is all about civic engagement and community-building, which we do by bringing together local leaders, grassroots workers, nonprofit organizations, students and all of Maryville College to learn, serve and seek solutions.

This fall, watch for expanded campus and community efforts toward a school for nonprofits, with year round workshops and classes in nonprofit management and community leadership.

In September-October, we join with the Hispanic Chamber of East TN and numerous Latino organizations and student groups for Hispanic heritage activities at Maryville College and in East TN.

A new semester also means further community-based research that matches students and faculty with social needs and regional issues that require careful study. New research questions are currently being identified by community organizations. Ongoing reasearch projects include the a study of service dogs and autistic children, the coping practices of students of color on predominately white campuses, and other questions regarding child welfare, water quality, refugee assistance and access to adult ESL instruction.

Come hear Dr. Ben Poage's Sept. 14th presentation on “Yesterday's People, Tomorrow's People,” as he brings over 30 years of leadership in Appalachian ministry to consider current trends and issues in our region. Beginning at 6pm, there will be a networking event for outreach ministries, followed by Dr. Poage's talk at 7:00.

”

Dr. Billy Newton,
Director of the Center for Strong Communities

Our mission is to empower communities to become the best possible places to live and work.

The Center for Strong Communities builds on the educational mission and long tradition of service at Maryville College and strives to be a visible expression of responsible citizenship and servant leadership in the broader community. Guided by the challenge to care for others and to work for justice, The Center for Strong Communities connects people and ideas to work for the common good.

In 2009, The Center for Strong Communities is building college and community partnerships through collaborative civic engagement, community-based research, leadership development and community forums, and the strengthening of nonprofits and service organizations in East Tennessee.


The Center for Strong Communities at Maryville College

Located in the Alexander House on the Maryville College campus
Dr. Billy Newton, Director
Mary Amber Brooks, Administrative Assistant
Voice: 865.273.8894
Fax: 865.981.8010