Dear Colleagues,

It has been an exciting inaugural semester for the Center for the Advancement of Service-Learning Excellence (CASLE). Over the last few months we have worked with faculty on their syllabi, designed service-learning research, held open houses, hosted student service-learning presentation events, met with several faculty and Extension agents, visited with community partners, trained the new Service-Learning Advisory Committee (SLAC) members and with their help, granted the first two academic courses with the "S" or service-learning designation, and much, much more. And the best part is...we are preparing to do it all over again this spring!

As I have visited with faculty, agents, and students over the course of the semester I have witnessed apprehension turn to enthusiasm as they recognize the impact they are having on our communities. Projects like the one conducted in Dr. Lesley's Strawderman's Industrial Engineering class will enable sweet potato farmers to better the working conditions of their employees. Dr. Sandy Devlin's Special Education class provided 4-H agents and volunteers with new methods for working with 4-H youth who have Autism or other disorders. CASLE's motto is to "learn, serve, and become." Through service-learning we are "changing lives" and preparing our students to be the engaged, critical thinkers that will have an impact on their future communities.

I want to take a moment as we close out the year to thank the faculty, members of Extension, and community partners who continue to create and participate in service-learning coursework. It is only through the efforts of those giving the instruction and those willing to find or serve as community partners that these opportunities are available for our Mississippi State students. 

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year. We look forward to our continued partnership in 2014.

Dr. April Heiselt

Director, Center for the Advancement of Service-Learning Excellence (CASLE)