CAMERON UNIVERSITY NEWS RELEASE July 7, 2009

Cameron University Department of Education faculty members Debbie Stoll and Stephanie White are among the nine recipients who have been awarded Service-Learning Incentive Grants for the Fall 2009 semester by the Oklahoma Campus Compact (OkCC). Service-learning is a teaching method that combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service-Learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community.

"We applaud Debbie Stoll and Stephanie White as grant recipients for their service-learning projects," says Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, Dean of Education and Behavioral Sciences. "Enhancing student learning by incorporating service that meets a community need into their coursework is a critical part of our mission in providing quality education at Cameron University."

Stoll will utilize her grant to supervise students in CU's Early Childhood Education program to collaborate with HeadStart programs in educating parents on the value of play. White will supervise Elementary Education students in selecting high quality children's literature and reading to children at a daycare or school. Each will communicate the results of their efforts at a state reflection meeting presented by OkCC.

Established in 2000, Oklahoma Campus Compact is an organization of Oklahoma college and university presidents who have committed to articulating the importance of civic responsibility as an outcome of higher education. The organization provides leadership, networking and technical assistance to campuses and communities in service learning, civic engagement and community service.