When I look back at the most meaningful moments in my career, they often have one thing in common: service. Not the kind of service that shows up in reports or resumes, but the kind rooted in community. Helping one another. Pitching in. Lifting up. Whether it was a food drive, a student-led cleanup effort, or a faculty initiative to address local health needs, it’s these connections between a college and its community that remind me why education matters.
I believe community colleges are special places. We serve everyone who walks through our doors—from recent high school grads and adult learners to veterans, single parents, and career changers. But what truly defines a community college isn’t just who we serve. It’s how we serve. And that often starts with how deeply we engage with the community around us.
Service is not a “nice to have” in education—it’s a necessity. It helps students grow, helps colleges stay grounded, and helps entire communities thrive. That spirit of service is something we must protect, nurture, and build upon.
Service is Part of the Learning Experience
Over the years, I’ve seen that some of the most profound learning happens outside the classroom. Students learn by doing—by applying their knowledge in real-world settings, by interacting with people whose lives are different from theirs, and by confronting challenges that don’t come with easy answers.
Community engagement is education in action. When students volunteer at a food pantry, tutor local children, or organize a clothing drive, they’re not just helping others. They’re developing empathy. They’re learning how to solve problems, how to lead, and how to be part of something bigger than themselves. These are lessons that stay with them far beyond their time at college.
I’ve had students tell me that their experience helping with a local housing project changed their entire career path. I’ve seen nursing students develop a deeper sense of purpose after volunteering at community health events. These moments of service aren’t distractions from their education—they’re part of what makes it meaningful.
Building Trust Through Action
In today’s world, trust in institutions—especially public ones—can feel shaky. People want to know that their colleges, schools, and governments actually care about them. That’s why community engagement is about more than outreach; it’s about building relationships.
When a college consistently shows up to help—whether through toy drives (like that of Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton NJ), free health screenings, or workforce training programs—it sends a message: we are part of this place. We care about what happens here. We’re not just educators—we’re neighbors, volunteers, and partners.
Colleges That Give Also Grow
Some might argue that community engagement takes resources away from academics. I’ve found the opposite to be true. When a college invests in service and community partnerships, it strengthens its foundation. People notice when a college shows up—not just when it’s recruiting, but when it’s giving. This can often be achieved through Service Learning opportunities. These academic initiatives are not volunteer projects. These service learning programs tie class learning outcomes to service-in-action. It is deeply academic, and community minded.
Service programs like Service Learning, help colleges grow, not just in enrollment, but in reputation, resilience, and relevance. A college known for service is a college people want to be a part of—whether as students, faculty, or community supporters. That reputation builds loyalty, opens funding opportunities, and creates a culture that attracts people who want to make a difference.
I’ve seen this firsthand. At institutions I’ve led, community partnerships have led to new programs, new donors, and stronger retention. Students who feel connected to the community—and to each other—are more likely to stay, to succeed, and to give back. It’s a cycle worth investing in.
A Culture That Starts at the Top
I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about modeling the values you want to see. If we want a college to embrace service, then service must start with leadership. That means being present, being involved, and valuing the kind of work that doesn’t always come with fanfare.
Some of my proudest moments as a leader weren’t behind a desk—they were out in the community, and sometimes service inside the college community. Picking up trash at a park with students. Feeding community members or students with food insecurity. Loading food boxes into trunks during a holiday drive. Speaking at a local nonprofit’s event to say “thank you” for their partnership. Those aren’t small things—they’re the foundation of something bigger.
Educating Citizens, Not Just Students
At its best, community college education is about more than credentials earned. It’s about preparing people to be thoughtful, engaged citizens—people who see service not as a one-time act, but as a lifelong value. If our students leave with that mindset, we’ve done something right.
That’s why I believe so deeply in the spirit of service. Not just because it helps others, but because it shapes who we become. We see selfishness on display all the time in the world. Service means we move outside of that self-focus to be with others; be with them in ways that serve them, not us. It reminds us that we are connected. That our success is bound up in the success of others. That education is a public good—and with that comes a public responsibility.
Looking Ahead
There’s a lot of uncertainty in higher education these days. Budgets are tight. Needs are growing. But in times like these, service isn’t something to cut—it’s something to lean into.
When we engage with our communities, we find purpose. We find partnerships. And we find hope.
In every college at which I’ve worked, I’ve seen that when we serve others, we strengthen ourselves. The spirit of service is not just part of our mission—it’s part of who we are.
Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep giving. And let’s keep building a future rooted in compassion, commitment, and community.