One tha t bea r eth a t o r ch s hado w e t h onesel f to g iv e l i ght t o o t he r s Torchbearer’s Creed
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As we celebrate and reflect on 10 years of lead-
ership development and service experience here at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, we also eagerly look forward to the future of the Jones Center for Leadership and Service. The center has evolved significantly over the last decade, allowing us to refine signature programs and expand high-impact practices through new initiatives. In this report, we have provided an overview of each of our key initiatives and programs and provided insight into the vision for the future. In looking forward, we identified three priorities: 1. Clarify and Embrace Our Identity Although many campus and community partners look to us as content experts in the areas of leadership and service, we recognize that leadership development and service education takes place in a variety of areas across campus. We seek to be consultants, connectors, and trainers who are able to provide the tools and resources necessary to help our campus partners incorporate leadership and service into their work in ways that are most beneficial for their areas and the students they support. 2. Create and Implement a Leadership Framework We seek to operationalize leadership, rooted in both seminal and more current theories, in a way that can be easily implemented by our partners across campus. In 2019, we formalized our definition of service and implemented a service framework based on best practices and national standards that have been enthusiastically embraced by campus partners, and we will work to do the same for leadership development. This will provide our campus with a united, cohesive approach to student leadership development that will better serve the student body. 3. Strategic Examination of our Programs and Infrastructure We will re-examine our programmatic portfolio and consider how we can be more intentional about creating pathways and entry points for students to engage in leadership and service experiences. We will examine each of our programs and identify those that are most impactful, ultimately focusing our human and financial resources on the initiatives that are truly most meaningful and developmental for students. We will also implement new technology to better support our growing initiatives. These priorities will guide our work to elevate leadership and service education for the next generation. We appreciate your continued support and hope you will stay connected with our journey. Cheers to the next 10 years! In the Volunteer spirit,
Mandie Beeler, Ed.D. Director, Jones Center for Leadership and Service
OUR
VISION
We believe everyone has the ability and responsibility to engage in leadership as a process, advocate for social justice, and better the world.
It is our sincere hope that this vision is reflective of our commitment to leadership and service as shared goals and experiences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and that we are all teachers, learners and participants in this process. Leadership and service cannot only “live” in one office or area of campus- we hope to help lead a shared commitment to providing collaborative opportunities that will enrich a campus culture of leadership and service that will in turn change the world.
OUR
STORY
After feedback from students over the years who voiced a desire to have an increased focus on the values and practice of leadership and service, in 2012, leadership development programs and service programs were brought together to form the Center for Leadership and Service. Formerly a part of TeamVOLS/Student Activities and Student Orientation and Leadership Development (SOLD), these two areas are now joined together in their mission to educate and engage all students to lead and serve the global community.
Between 1993 and 1999, exploration of leadership and service programs began in coordination with the Office of the Dean of Students. An Emerging Leaders Class was instituted in 1996 and hopes of an expanded leadership program began to take shape. In 2000, the director of Student Orientation secured a graduate assistant position to assist with orientation and to further explore leadership programming and the development of an “official” leadership program. During the same year, the director of Student Orientation and the associate dean of students were directed by the Knoxville Botanical Gardens, While the creation of vice chancellor of MLK Day of Service the center is a fairly Student Affairs to 2017 recent development, UT is develop a leaderno stranger to a long ship program, givhistory of leadership and service. ing further support to the growing need
to provide formal leadership training/programming to students. In 2001, an assistant director of Student Orientation was hired along with two additional graduate assistants to assist with further creating and establishing the leadership program and supporting the existing orientation programs. Starting in the fall of 2001, the Leadership Development Office has been housed in the University Center (now Student Union) and has undergone significant change, both in name and in staffing, as well as significant growth in the number of programs offered and students served. Similarly, the TeamVOLS Volunteer Center and the UT Dance Marathon event were both instituted in the early to mid-90s and were advised by the Office of Student Ac-
With Chancellor Plowman MLK Days of Service 2021
tivities. TeamVOLS was created in August 1993 to promote the volunteer spirit and actively involve students in civic engagement. After the first Alternative Spring Break trip was held in the spring of 1993, a growing need and desire for service programming emerged and has been supported ever since. Early stages of the CLS strategic plan focused on bringing these two focal points together into one cohesive unit. In April 2019, the Jones Center for Leadership and Service (JCLS) was named in honor of Clay and Debbie Jones. The Jones’ have been long-time financial supporters of the department and pledged a landmark gift totaling $5 million to support the work of the center. JCLS Ribbon Cutting & Dedication 2019
OUR CONSTITUENTS WHO WE SERVE
Undergraduate Students: The JCLS primarily engages undergraduate students as participants in the variety of programs offered through the center. Undergraduate students are recruited to serve as student leaders in programs such as VOLbreaks, Ignite, and as Jones Center Ambassadors. All undergraduate students are eligible to track service hours through the Track Your Hours Portal and earn service medallions. Graduate Students: The JCLS engages graduate students in elevated roles in many of our programs. Graduate students can serve as VOLbreak Learning Partners, Ignite Leadership Summit Facilitators, and as members of the CliftonStrengths Facilitation Team. Graduate students are invited to present as part of the Clifton M. Jones Leadership Workshop Series and to serve as site leaders for the MLK Day(s) of Service. All graduate students are eligible to track service hours through the Track Your Hours Portal and earn service medallions. Faculty and Staff: The JCLS engages faculty and staff to serve as VOLbreak Learning Partners, Ignite Leadership
Summit Facilitators, LeaderShape Cluster Facilitators, Catalyst Facilitators, and as members of the CliftonStrengths Facilitation Team. Faculty and staff are also invited to present as part of the Clifton M. Jones Leadership Workshop Series and to serve as site leaders for the MLK Day(s) of Service. Various departments across campus are also served through the center as part of the CliftonStrengths Facilitation Team, which leads workshops for departments looking to improve teamwork and culture utilizing CliftonStrengths. Faculty and staff are also able to request leadership presentations and service event coordination through the Jones Center Ambassador program for their departments, classes, and organizations. Community Partners: The JCLS primarily engages community partners as co-leaders in the Center’s service programming, including the Ignite service components, VOLServe Days of Service, MLK Days of Service, and other ad-hoc community engagement opportunities. We assist community partners in ecruiting volunteers through the Sign-Upto-Serve Calendar.
“
Ignite taught me that active citizenship means to stand up in sit down moments, to get out and give back to the community that has provided you with so much, and to identify and address social issues.” —2019 IGNITE SERVES PARTICIPANT
IGNITE 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
The Ignite Program is a unique opportunity for freshmen to begin developing their leadership skills, meet other new Vols and upperclassmen student leaders, learn about opportunities for involvement and discover what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer. Ignite has proven to have a significant impact on a first-year student’s transition to the university as well as their retention. As an extended orientation program, Ignite hopes to instill a passion in the University of Tennessee, inspire a commitment to student success and ignite the leadership potential in new Volunteers. The program was created in 2001 and resembled what is now Ignite Leadership Summit, serving approximately 300 students a year. In 2013, Ignite Outdoors and Ignite Serves were added, and then Ignite Knox debuted in 2016, bringing the average annual participation to over 750 students.
IGNITE PROGRAMS
Ignite Knox is a three-day community engagement-focused leadership program that introduces students to the Scruffy City through cultural, outdoor, and service experiences. Students participate in Ignite Knox volunteer at Knoxville community organizations, participate in dialogue about social issues in Knoxville and visit various city landmarks through excursion trips. Participants are able to stay in a residence hall during the program which allows them to become more acclimated to the UT campus. Team Leaders lead groups of students in activities including team building, service in the Knoxville community, and city excursions, facilitate leadership workshops and serve as mentors.
Ignite Leadership Summit is a three-day, off-site retreat that informs students of leadership opportunities and engages them in conversations about UT traditions. The program also includes programming on identity, inclusion, and values, as well as understanding one’s leadership style. A group of Ignite Team Leaders lead small groups of new students in activities including team builders, a ropes course, and leadership workshops.
Ignite Outdoors is coordinated by UT RecSports Outdoor Program. It is a four-day, adventure-based leadership program. This style of retreat allows for small groups to develop strong connections and supportive communities. Professional staff and student leaders implement leadership development by providing activities and challenging students in nearby mountains and rivers. Ignite Outdoors participants have the opportunity to attend wilderness kayaking, explore hiking, explore climbing and wilderness canoeing trips. The UT RecSports Outdoor Program provides a safe environment with extensive training to equip staff with necessary skills to conduct outdoor programs. Due to the need for specific training for outdoors-focused activities, the UT RecSports Outdoor Program has separate hiring and assessment processes.
Ignite Serves is a four-day, service-based leadership program held on campus. There is a focus on direct and indirect service to educate students on their ability to make a difference both on and off the site of community organizations. Students who participate in Ignite Serves volunteer each day at Knoxville community organizations, complete indirect service for Knoxville community organizations, and then incorporate those experiences into afternoon workshops on social justice, servant leadership, and diversity. The participants are able to stay in their residence hall rooms during the program, which allows them to become more acclimated to the UT campus throughout the week. A group of Ignite Team Leaders lead groups of students in activities including team builders, service, facilitate leadership workshops and serve as mentors.
IGNITE BY THE NUMBERS 2012-2022
6,515
257
IGNITE PARTICIPANTS
IGNITE FEE WAIVERS/ SCHOLARSHIP RECEPIENTS
739
$51,400
IGNITE TEAM LEADERS
IGNITE FEE WAIVERS/ SCHOLARSHIP RECEPIENT Funds Awarded
10,612.5 TOTAL SERVICE HOURS COMPLETED
“
Ignite taught me to go into situations without expectations and be situationally aware.” —2020 IGNITE SERVES TEAM LEADER
LOOKING AHEAD Ignite “On the Road” will be launched in 2023. We will be taking Leadership Summit to West Tennessee in June 2023 to engage new Vols. This program will take place soon after Undergraduate Admission’s summer confirmation date to connect incoming students to the university without having to travel to Knoxville. With the support of the assistant director for Transfer Initiatives in the Office of First-Year Programs, we are exploring a transfer-specific Ignite session to meet the unique needs of transfer students. We are also researching the feasibility of and interest in offering an Ignite session that highlights key components from Knox, Serves, and Leadership Summit for students who are interested in multiple programs but are only able to attend one.
IGNITE SESSIONS - GROWTH PROJECTIONS
IGNITE CAPACITY - GROWTH PROJECTIONS
IGNITE SUCCESSES 96.5% of 2021 participants felt a greater sense of belonging as a result of participating in Ignite. 94.9% of Ignite 2021 participants could articulate how Ignite heightened their sense of civility, justice, and respect for their peers.
JONES CENTER
AMBASSADORS 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
The Jones Center Ambassadors (JCAs) are a group of leadership and service peer educators dedicated to serving the campus and community as an educational resource. In line with the Jones Center’s mission to educate and engage all students to lead and serve the global community, the JCAs are involved with a variety of community service opportunities and campus organizations, and exist to connect fellow students to leadership and service experiences. They present programs on a variety of topics related to the JCLS/leadership & service and strive to serve community needs through education, service & reflection. The JCAs have been in their current form since 2020 but existed as the “Leadership and Service Ambassadors” in the 8 years prior. This rebrand has allowed JCAs to expand their impact and represent the JCLS on a wider-scale level. As the official ambassadors of the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, this is a paid leadership experience.
THE Life of a JCA The JCAs have three main responsibilities: presenting programs, planning and facilitating service experiences, and promoting the Jones Center. The JCAs present programs to hundreds of students on topics such as “All About the JCLS” and “How to Engage in Volunteering.” Additionally, the JCAs plan and execute service events for students when service is requested by groups. This includes coordinating travel, evaluating community partner needs, and leading service and reflection. JCAs also facilitate service for all JCLS Days of Service events, including MLK Jr. Days of Service and VOLServe. Lastly, JCAs promote the JCLS through various marketing methods, including attending tabling events, promoting the JCLS on social media, and speaking to student organizations about the services and programs within our office. Leading the JCAs, two co-student directors meet weekly to plan JCA meetings and communicate about current and upcoming JCA needs. Additionally, they facilitate team bonding and activities, and serve as a first point of contact for JCAs.
Career Readiness Competencies: As a result of the Jones Center Ambassador position, students will develop the following Student Leadership Competencies: Collaboration Students will learn how to work collaboratively with peers through the sharing of ideas and distribution of responsibilities to achieve a common objective Group Development Students will learn skills to help groups develop a sense of shared purpose, commitment, and trust to increase group productivity. Social Responsibility Students will learn beneficial ways to engage with the community in an effort to foster healthy and supportive communities. Facilitation Students will learn how to manage intergroup dialogue and direct the flow of discussion by asking prompting questions and helping the group reach the best conclusion possible.
JCA AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
500+
166
PROGRAM & SERVICE REQUESTS
JONES CENTER AMBASSADORS
LOOKING AHEAD Connect with more campus partners to engage in service experiences facilitated by the JCAs Increase our program offerings
“
I learned more in 48 hours than most people do in months, met an incredible group of people, and had my perspective changed for the better on a number of issues. I have a much more nuanced understanding of sustainability, social justice, service, and reflection now.” —FALL 2020 VOLBREAKS PARTICIPANT
VOLBREAKS 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
Since its beginning in 1993, the VOLbreaks Program has taken more than 3,000 students who want to give back through service during fall break, winter break, and spring break service experiences. In line with the center’s mission to educate and engage all students to lead and serve the global community, the VOLbreaks program strives to engage students in meaningful and collaborative community service in an effort to increase awareness of social issues and strengthen the communities in which they serve as well as foster a strong sense of community among trip participants and to the university as a whole. A typical trip is centered around a thematic social issue and allows students to begin to understand these areas through their work with different service opportunities. Students achieve growth through education, orientation, and thinking critically about ways to eradicate areas of social injustice. There is always a range of service on each trip such as: working with animals, environmental conservation, tutoring children, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, and organizing food in food pantries.
OUR PROCESS Applications for fall VOLbreak are online during the first two weeks of fall classes and spring applications are similarly online during the first two weeks of spring classes. The cost per student is between $100 and $250 to participate in each domestic driving trip. This cost covers almost all expenses including food, lodging, transportation, and a t-shirt. The trips are led by two carefully selected and trained VOLbreaks Leaders (VBL). The program also has a VOLbreaks student coordinator who helps coordinate fundraising, training classes, and marketing. Every trip has one staff or graduate assistant who serves as a Learning Partner (LP). The LPs uphold the mission, values and policies of the JCLS & VOLbreaks programs and are responsible for adding their valuable expertise to the trip and its participants. They attend the trips at no charge and provide leadership in the event of a crisis and help ensure all students are abiding by agreed upon student contracts and UTK student policy. The JCLS absorbs all expenses for LP participation, which is a reason why more trips are not currently offered.
VOLbreaks Program Learning Outcomes: Students who participate in the VOLbreaks program will be able to: • Identify areas of community need and means in which to serve it. • Explain their understanding of the importance of service in the community in which they served. • Demonstrate issue awareness, understanding, and advocacy related to the service theme of their trip. • Articulate a heightened sense of civility, justice, and respect for those around them. • Identify and utilize campus resources that are available to promote further engagement in community service with the University of Tennessee. • Articulate a sense of personal belonging to the University of Tennessee community. • Engage comfortably in a variety of community service projects. • Contribute positively to the goals, objectives, and activities of a team or community. • Define heightened self-awareness as it related to personal strengths, privileges, preferences, and challenges. • Describe and employ their personal leadership style.
VOLBREAKS AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
44
1500+
DIFFERENT CITIES SERVED IN
PARTICIPANTS, VBLs, & LEARNING PARTNERS
116
36,956
VOLBREAK TRIPS
Total Service Hours
LOOKING AHEAD Our recent data shows that the break trip experience not only has an impact on student graduation rates, but the experience also has an impact on student learning and engagement. The VOLbreaks program has been impacting lives at UT and in the global community for 29 years. Through a thorough training, selection and education plan, the student participants, leaders and LPs are able to engage in meaningful community service while addressing a central service theme. In its 30th year, the VOLbreaks program will continue to engage students in community service and active citizenship. We are looking to expand our partnerships with other offices and departments on campus to provide experiences tailored to their academic
programs or departmental values (much like the partnership we have with the Honors and Scholars program). We are also looking at our budget and thinking about how to provide more cost-effective options now that housing/churches we have typically stayed at for free are now charging fees.
“
Emerging Leaders gave me the opportunity to work with other student leaders on campus and gain an insight on how they view the campus and leadership as a whole. It made me more confident in the role that I play here at UT and made me realize that my actions and beliefs matter.” —2019 EMERGING LEADERS PARTICIPANT
EMERGING
LEADERS 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
Emerging Leaders (EL) is a 3-credit-hour course taught as an elective in the Leadership Studies Minor. EL is offered every year for sophomores interested in studying leaders, leadership theories, and the application of leadership in a variety of situations. The purpose of the course is to cultivate emotionally intelligent leaders who will create positive social change on campus. The course includes an off-campus leadership experience in which students travel to another city to visit colleges and universities to learn about varying leadership styles and challenges students face on those campuses.
Previous trips have included visits to: American University Appalachian State University Auburn University Emory University Florida A&M University Florida State University
Howard University Johnson C. Smith Louisiana State University Morehouse College Southern Univ. & A&M College UNC at Charlotte
The final project for the course is to identify, research, develop, and propose a campus social change project. They engage with groups of student leaders, campus administration, and campus and community partners to help refine their ideas and identify key stakeholders. Faculty, staff, students, and campus and community stakeholders are invited to attend the Change Project Showcase each year, and aspects of multiple projects* have been implemented across campus. Previous project proposals have included: • Access to Free Feminine Products on Campus* • Big Orange Care – Health Resource Fair* • Expanding Dining Hall Hours • First-Year Studies Courses by Major* • Forums for Civil Discourse* • Greek Unity Council* • Increased Campus Administration & Leadership Accessibility* • Institutional Identity Focusing on the Volunteer Spirit* • Interfaith Community Space* • International Student Visibility and Engagement • Leadership Development in University-Assisted Community Schools • Leadership Programs Focused on Public Speaking & Writing* • LGBTQ+ Living Learning Community • One Stop for Student Services* • Professional Mentorship Program between Student Life Staff and Students • Reducing and Reusing Food Waste* • Truly Unlimited Meal Plan/Expanding Dining Hall Swipes (non-expiring) • Women’s Only Workout Time/Space at TRECS*
EMERGING LEADERS AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
798
250
25
APPLICANTS
SELECTED STUDENTS
AVERAGE COHORT SIZE
LOOKING AHEAD Reviewing the curriculum to include more modern and inclusive leadership theories Involve more campus partners (specifically Aramark, Student Life Leadership Team, and Division of Student Success leaders) to engage with Emerging Leaders and collaborate on social change projects
“
Emerging leaders helped me to define my values and understand how these values fit into the context of the student leadership at the University of Tennessee..” —2015 EMERGING LEADERS PARTICIPANT
VOLSERVE & MLK JR. DAYS OF SERVICE 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
Due to the high demand for volunteer opportunities, the Jones Center Ambassadors (formerly Leadership and Service Ambassadors) started hosting monthly service experiences during the fall and spring semester. We now refer to this service series as VOLServe. During VOLServes, students have the chance to network and interact with students and community members while engaging in meaningful service and addressing community needs. Students are provided with transportation and are given an organized opportunity to serve the local community for an afternoon. These organized days of service are led by a Jones Center Ambassador who engages the participants in a meaningful reflection to wrap up the afternoon. Several of the VOSLerves have a focus (for example, Sustainability April VOLServe) and allow students the opportunity to engage in direct service and learn more about a particular social issue.
In 2018 the MLK Jr. Days of Service split from the CMJ Student Leadership Conference to be a stand-alone event housed under the VOLServes umbrella. Each year it is our largest day of service and continues to grow. This past January, we had over 550 participants go into the Knoxville community to do service. This series embodies the importance of living out the legacy of Dr. King by volunteering and supporting our community. In order to continue the program in 2021 with COVID guidelines, the one-day event became a 10-day event to allow smaller groups. The event had positive reviews from both participants and community partners. This was our second year hosting the MLK Jr. Days of Service and we look forward to continuing to grow the event to have an even bigger impact. MLK Days of Service is a Division of Student Life signature service program, and divisional staff are invited to serve alongside our students in action as Volunteers.
At the conclusion of a Day of Service Program, participants will: 1. Feel a heightened sense of community awareness and personal development. 2. Identify an increased sense of belonging among participating members. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of service opportunities for campus and community engagement. 4. Gain an understanding of the information and opportunities presented in the Jones Center for Leadership and Service.
COMMUNITY IMPACT These events provide local community partners with volunteers that assist in a variety of different capacities from deep cleaning, to project completion and other various tasks that may not be feasible on a daily basis at their organization. Hundreds of Knoxville community members are impacted by the work UT students accomplish, including schools, local gardens and parks, hospice facilities, and more. Past community partners have included:
Knoxville ReAnimation Coalition Harmony Family Center Keep Knoxville Beautiful Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful Keep Blount County Beautiful Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding CAC Mobile Meals Hope Central Goodwill SOS Beagle Rescue Random Acts of Flowers
Morning Pointe Assisted Living Zoo Knoxville SEEED Knox (Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development) Children’s Center of Knoxville Knoxville Education Foundation Remote Area Medical Seymour Volunteer Fire Department Ijams Nature Center Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Ladies of Charity
VOLSERVE & MLK DoS AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
6,000+
1,800+
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
COMMUNITY PARTNER PROJECT REQUESTS
LEADERSHAPE & CATALYST
TM
1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
LeaderShape Institute is a six-day, off-site retreat, that provides participants the opportunity for self-discovery, self-reflection, and feedback in a community of approximately 60 peers. Not a typical leadership retreat, the LeaderShape Institute is grounded in helping individuals identify the values they hold that lead to making a difference in the communities around them. Through self-assessment, intensive small group discussions, and team building challenges, participants will develop a vision for something they care about. By leading with passion, integrity, and a healthy disregard for the impossible, participants explore who they are and the impact that they want to have on communities working towards a more caring, just and equitable society. From May 2011 to March 2016, our office was able to host six sessions off-site. Students were connected in small groups that were led by a UT faculty or staff member from various areas of campus.
CatalystTM is a one-day program designed for emerging student leaders who are interested in starting something extraordinary. Participating in Catalyst is a first step in the life-long process of learning, exploration, and action. This program is designed to allow participants the time and space to connect with others and engage in learning more about their own story of leadership. The content of the program is designed to meet the multiple learning styles of each group. Participants will be engaged in small group dialogue, large group interaction, and personal reflection. The content of this day will push participants to get real with themselves. At the end of this experience, participants will leave compelled to start a new habit, to persist, to live in possibility. Catalyst is a one-day program that is a part of the larger LeaderShape portfolio. Prior to COVID-19, this was a workshop that a facilitator from LeaderShape would be contracted to come to campus to facilitate Catalyst. We hosted a session in spring 2019 with 43 participants. During
summer 2020, LeaderShape provided campuses the opportunity to license the program and train a facilitation team to be able to provide the workshop at a lower cost and by utilizing staff on their own campus. We have been able to offer open sessions to anyone on campus for no cost to them as well as sessions for specific programs for a lower rate than having a facilitator come from LeaderShape. Since fall 2020, we have held eleven campus-led Catalyst sessions that have served over 250 participants. These sessions include • 4 open sessions (for any student) • 2 Nursing Honors sessions • 2 Emerging Leaders sessions • 2 UT Success Academy sessions • 1 Volunteer Impact Academy session Sessions during the 2020-2021 academic year were held at half capacity (30) due to COVID-19 regulations. This academic year, we have been able to open capacity back to a maximum of 60 participants per session.
CATALYSTTM AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
285 PARTICIPANTS
CLIFTON M. JONES
STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
This annual event combined our campus-wide Clifton M. Jones Student Leadership Conference and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service to engage 500 UT student leaders in a day of leadership and service learning. CMJ Workshops have had several iterations, with the separation of a full-day conference in connection with MLK Day of Service in 2018, and then a transition to a year-long leadership workshop series in fall of 2020. In the 2020-2021 academic year, we offered a total of 11 workshops, featuring 12 faculty and staff presenters.
The JCLS is reviewing data and evaluating the future of the program and how we can best meet the leadership development needs of students. After the 2021 JCLS Program Review, one recommendation is to utilize the CMJ endowment to create a program that focuses on the intersections of career readiness and leadership development. Benchmarking and assessment of past CMJ programming is taking place summer 2022, with an expectation of a new CMJ program launch by August 2022.
“
LKS has provided me the opportunity to discover the Knoxville community in a way that I have never been able to. It greatly increased my passion for serving the community and it was the driving force behind the development of my servant leadership skills.” —2021 LKS GRADUATE
LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE SCHOLARS 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
Leadership Knoxville Scholars (LKS) is a leadership development and community immersion program for juniors and seniors. It is a two-year program that is cohort based. LKS was started in 2013 as a partnership with Leadership Knoxville and continues to be funded and supported by them. Highlights of the two-year program include: • Two-day Intro Weekend welcoming the new cohort in Fall • 1:1 mentorship with a Knoxville community leader • Two for-credit leadership courses with guest speakers • Monthly excursions into the Knoxville community • Partnership with a nonprofit to complete a Community Action Project
LKS AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
174
48
30+
GRADUATES
CURRENT STUDENTS
PARTNERSHIPS WITH NONPROFITS
VOLUNTEER IMPACT ACADEMY 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
The Volunteer Impact Academy is an immersive four-year cohort experience for aspiring servant leaders to create sustainable change through leadership and service at the University of Tennessee and beyond. The program includes a scaffolded leadership and service curriculum and experiences focused on self-reflection, campus impact, community engagement, and global transformation. Through the cohort experience, students engage in sustained dialogue on active citizenship and development of their leadership capacity. The program includes an annual $2,000 scholarship which is automatically renewed each year provided requirements are met. ($8,000 by the end of 4 years). Students will experience UT as a small, 60-person cohort focused on leading and serving UT and beyond.
VIA AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
852
56
9/11
APPLICANTS for 2026 cohort
CURRENT STUDENTS
ACADEMIC COLLEGES REPRESENTED
The Volunteer Impact Academy was included in the Leadership & Service proposal to Clay & Debbie Jones during the 2018-19 academic year as a fouryear leadership cohort experience pilot program. During November 2020, we launched the program application to potential incoming first year students. The first application cycle brought in 518 applications. The inaugural cohort began their first semester on Rocky Top in fall
2021. The cohort is made up of 56 participants representing nine out of 11 academic colleges on campus. 39 participants are in-state recruits and 17 from out-of-state. On January 15, 2022, the applications for the second cohort closed with a total of 852 applications. Decisions are currently being sent out and students will have until May 2 to confirm their spot in the program.
LOOKING AHEAD Over the next few months, we will be adding a graduate teaching assistant to support the Volunteer Impact Academy. With this addition, we hope to implement a peer mentor program to provide support for new participants as well as a growth opportunity for current cohort members.
“
Being a servant leader is built upon the idea of serving one’s community, not simply being a volunteer. Serving involves a deeper connection and a long-term commitment to solving a problem and continuously contributing to society. Service has deepened my connection to both the university and the city of Knoxville. It is my time spent volunteering and the incredible people I have met along the way that truly make Rocky Top feel like home sweet home to me.” —GOLD MEDALLION RECIPIENT
SERVICE TRACKING & SIGN UP TO SERVE CALENDAR 1 0 -Y E A R R E P O R T
In 2013, the Center for Leadership and Service worked with OIT to build a service tracking platform to help the department and student volunteers keep detailed records of their service experiences. Through the platform, students are able to submit their service activities with nonprofit organizations and link their membership with up to five student organizations, academic programs, and service-learning courses. Currently, approximately 60 student organizations, academic and co-curricular programs, and scholarship programs require or highly encourage students to participate in community service each semester. Students with 100 or more confirmed, logged hours prior to graduation will receive a Service Medallion to wear during their commencement exercises, to commemorate their selfless service to our community.
SERVICE RECOGNITION Students with 100 or more confirmed, logged hours prior to graduation will receive a Service Medallion to wear during their commencement exercises, to commemorate their selfless service to our community. Service Medallions were first awarded in 2014, and the tiered levels were implemented in 2019 as part of the university’s 225th Anniversary Celebration. Students can request an official record of their service hours and/or request a Service Medallion review through the JCLS Track Your Hours portal. Graduating seniors can request a medallion review in the semester that they are graduating.
Service Levels: Gold Medallion: 225+ Hours Silver Medallion: 175-224 Hours Bronze Medallion: 100-174 Hours
SIGN-UP-TO-SERVE CALENDAR Service is a part of being a Tennessee Volunteer. The Jones Center for Leadership and Service strives to provide students with ample opportunities to give back to the community. In 2016, the office created the Sign-Up-to-Serve Calendar to provide opportunities on a weekly and monthly basis. The calendar allows community partners to market their volunteer needs to students year-round. Students can view the calendar at any time and sign up to serve.
SIGN UP TO SERVE BY THE NUMBERS: 2016- 116 requests for 1261 volunteers 2017- 223 requests for 3591 volunteers 2018- 272 requests for 3561 volunteers 2019- 492 requests for 6606 volunteers 2020- 273 requests for 3180 volunteers (Note: the calendar was shut down for a portion of the year due to COVID)
2021- 788 requests for 6304 volunteers
SERVICE TRACKING AT A GLANCE: 2012-2022
1,791
785,419
20,875
TOTAL SERVICE HOURS
STUDENTS WHO HAVE TRACKED HOURS
SERVICE MEDALLION RECIPIENTS
521
82
171
BRONZE MEDALLIONS AWARDED*
SILVER MEDALLIONS AWARDED*
GOLD MEDALLIONS AWARDED*
* tiered levels were implemented in 2019 as part of the university’s 225th Anniversary Celebration.
LOOKING AHEAD In summer 2022, the JCLS expects to transition to GivePulse, a nationally recognized platform for tracking volunteer experiences. All campuses across the University of Tennessee System will use this software, making it easier for campuses to report service hours for the UT Promise scholarship and for
students to transfer records between campuses, if necessary. This system will combine the service tracking platform and the SignUp-to-Serve Calendar, providing a more streamlined, user-friendly experience for students and community partners.
A LASTING
LEGACY 51 TORCHBEARERS involved in JCLS programs 62.5% of total
49 CHANCELLOR’S CITATION FOR EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP & SERVICE RECIPIENTS involved in JCLS Programs 68% of total
24 CHANCELLOR’S CITATION FOR EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY SERVICES RECIPIENTS involved in JCLS Programs 63% of total
13,247 STUDENTS, FACULTY, & STAFF exposed to CliftonStrengths
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“The most important thing a is that we are connecting students to our values from the Torchbearer Creed as servant leaders. Starting off like that can set you up for success in your college career.” —SOPHOMORE IGNITE PARTICIPANT
OUR BENEFACTORS: Clay & Debbie Jones
Clay Jones received his bachelor’s degree with honors in political science in 1971. During his time at UT, he received UT’s highest undergraduate honor by being named a Torchbearer. He is also a past president of UT’s Alumni Board of Directors and a 2014 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Jones has attributed much of his success to his leadership development at UT, including involvement in Phi Delta Theta, the Student Government Association, and the Reserve Officer Training Corps. After graduating from UT, Jones served for eight years as a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. He then had a 34-year career with Rockwell International
and Rockwell Collins Inc., an aviation electronics and communications equipment company. Jones served in the positions of chairman and CEO of the company for 12 years each. As active supporters of the Center for Leadership and Service, the Joneses, established the Director of Leadership Programming Endowment in 2009, which is used to expand students’ leadership opportunities across campus through programs such as the Ignite Summit and the Emerging Leaders Program. The pair also helped establish the Torchbearer 2000 Endowment, which supports students involved in activities and community service at the university.
T H A N K YO U F O R HE LP I NG STRENGTHEN THE VOLU NTE E R E X P E R IE N C E BY LEADI NG THE WAY.
Student Union, Suite 193 1502 Cumberland Ave Knoxville, TN 37916 leadserve.utk.edu
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. A project of the Jones Center for Leadership and Service with support from the Division of Student Life.