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Ģ������ƵHosts Seeds and Soil Annual Community Partner Event

Ģ������Ƶ’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) hosted its fifth Seeds and Soil Professional Development and Networking Event on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in the A.K. Hinds University Center.

Inspired by Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, this annual gathering seeks to strengthen relationships between Ģ������Ƶand community partners from across Western North Carolina.

The Seeds and Soil event was attended by over 80 individuals from nonprofits, local government, small businesses, and WCU, representing a wide range of impact areas and services across the region and contributing to a broad mix of experiences and perspectives. Faculty and staff members offered additional collaborative opportunities.

Framed by the theme, “Together, Rooted in Resilience”, the day included professional development and networking sessions. The keynote speaker, Jaclyn Kiger, CEO of Pisgah Legal Services, shared her organization’s role in the wake of Hurricane Helene and provided insights into the theme of resiliency. The event also included a panel discussion with community partners, highlighting ways that these local organizations have partnered with WCU. Grace Franklin, a Ģ������Ƶsenior studying communication, demonstrated the Crisis Communication Resources website. This website, developed over several years by Communication Department faculty Dr. Betty Farmer and students within the department, is a free, comprehensive resource for developing crisis communication plans and strategies.

The event included networking activities, as well as remarks by Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, Vice Provost Dr. Carol Burton, and Provost Dr. Richard Starnes. The day ended with a session designed to help community partners identify resources to navigate changes in federal and state policies, presented by Dr. Melissa C. Wargo, Ģ������ƵChief of Staff, and Kloo Hansen, Director of WCU’s Office of Research Administration.

Attendees left with new contacts, ideas, and potential partnerships that could shape future projects. One attendee shared, “This event certainly proves how strong and resilient Western Carolina is. Learning about all the different ways we can work to together to help people is my favorite part of Seeds and Soil.”

Seeds and Soil continues to serve as a key touchpoint for WCU’s engagement with the region, reinforcing the university’s role as a regional comprehensive university. The next Seeds and Soil is planned for June 2026. For more information, contact the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at communityengagement@wcu.edu or 828.227.2091.

‘Together, rooted in resilience’ 

Seeds and Soil is an annual event, bringing together community organizations to network, learn, and share resources. By attending Seeds and Soil, you will have the chance to:

• Gain insights from speakers on how to build organizational resilience.
• Learn about various resources available through Ģ������Ƶand within our community.
• Hear inspiring stories and experiences from seasoned partners who have successfully navigated community engagement.
• Network with other organizations that share your commitment to community engagement and service learning.

Ģ������Ƶappreciates our community partners!
Contact the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning for additional information about becoming a partner today.

community resources