ELON, N.C. — Over the weekend of November 4, Appalachian State University student, Savannah Raley, was presented with the Community Impact Student Award by North Carolina Campus Engagement for her outstanding commitment and contribution to civic and community engagement. Savannah was selected as the award winner by Appalachian State University administration after careful consideration of the students who made a lasting impact on their campus. She was honored for her efforts and achievements at the NC Campus Engagement biennial CSNAP Student Conference.
Since 2006, the Community Impact Student Award (CISA) recognizes an outstanding, full-time undergraduate student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member campus. Award winners are selected by campus leaders and honored during the biennial CSNAP Student Conference. This year, CSNAP was held at NC State University with the theme, “Rising Together: Students Depolarizing North Carolina.”
Savannah was selected as the Appalachian State University CISA winner because she demonstrated remarkable dedication and enthusiasm across various campus initiatives.
Notably, Savannah spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the Student Government Association (SGA), facilitating a transformative restructure aimed at creating a more sustainable and equitable platform for student advocacy. Her leadership within the SGA was pivotal in fostering a renewed focus on empowering students and advocating for their rights. Simultaneously, Savannah served as the Appalachian State Delegate to the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments, amplifying her influence beyond the campus to positively impact the state's student community.
Her involvement extends further as a Plemmons Leadership Scholar, Membership Coordinator for the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS), Head Lifeguard at University Recreation, and Global Leadership Exchange Student Fellow, signifying her diverse engagements in fostering intentional student engagement and leadership development.
Savannah stands as a shining example of an exceptional student leader whose passion, resilience, and dedication to community betterment have left a mark on Appalachian State University.
Savannah graciously accepted the Community Impact Student Award as the Appalachian State University winner, among 14 other students representing colleges and universities across North Carolina.
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About North Carolina Campus Engagement
North Carolina Campus Engagement (NCCE) is a collaborative network of colleges and universities committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility, partnering with communities for positive change, and strengthening democracy. The NC Campus Engagement state office fosters connections between campuses, shares best practice information and resources, recognizes outstanding work, and champions civic and community engagement in higher education. To learn more visit ncccampusengagement.org.
About the Department of Government and Justice Studies
Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers undergraduate programs in political science and criminal justice, and graduate programs in political science and public administration. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department has over 600 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate students. Learn more at https://gjs.appstate.edu.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and unique location. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,400 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
By Samantha Delap (Program Coordinator, North Carolina Campus Engagement)
November 9, 2023
ELON, N.C.
Savannah Raley, sophomore political science major from Avenue, Maryland, is the recipient of North Carolina Campus Engagement's Community Impact Student Award.
Savannah Raley, sophomore political science major from Avenue, Maryland, is the recipient of North Carolina Campus Engagement's Community Impact Student Award.