Cottey College receives highest federal recognition for community service

Nevada Daily Mail

The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll has named Cottey College to their Honor Roll with Distinction for Interfaith and Community Service. An institution may be recognized in one of four categories including General Community Service, Economic Opportunity, Education and Interfaith Community Service. Cottey qualified for the honor roll in all four categories making Cottey the only college in Missouri to receive such high recognition.

The President's Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a higher learning institution can receive for its commitment to community, service-learning, and civic engagement. Additionally, the program recognizes institutions that raise the visibility of practices that enhance community and campus relationships.

Cottey has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll six times since 2008. However, this is the first time Cottey received recognition in all four categories and "with Distinction" for Interfaith and Community Service.

Renee Hampton, coordinator of career training and transfer planning, and Rev. Erica Sigauke, director of spiritual life and campus diversity, participated in a panel that presented at the President's Interfaith and Community Service meeting held at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., in September where the announcement of the honor roll recognition was presented. Specifically, Cottey was recognized for three programs: Martin Luther King Day of Service and Celebration; Multicultural Festival; and the Peace Week Celebration. Additionally, Cottey also participates in the President's Interfaith Campus Challenge.

"We are honored to be named to this prestigious honor roll and applaud the work of our students and the wonderful support provided by the Nevada community. This is an example of working hand in hand to build understanding and appreciation of the diverse world in which we live," said Dr. Jann Weitzel, president of Cottey College.

Honor Roll applicants include all categories of higher learning institutions. They include public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, minority-serving institutions and both for-profit and not-for-profit schools.

This recognition follows on the recent announcement by U.S. News and World Report naming Cottey College as one of the top Regional Colleges in the Midwest. BestValueSchools.com named Cottey as one of the Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri and also to the list of top Women's Colleges in the United States.