Website: https://www.hiram.edu/academics/centers-of-distinction/

The Center for Social Impact provides an engaging and supportive environment for students of all backgrounds, critically examining issues of diversity, inclusion, marginalization, inequality and equity. The Center engages critically with the ways in which social processes and structures shape individual and collective experiences and identities, with a particular focus on Northeast Ohio.

The Center provides students with opportunities for experiential and service-based learning, as well as networking and mentorship. It offers a series of programs and events which nurture and sustain the ability of students to engage thoughtfully, responsibly and in impactful ways, in seeking a more inclusive and socially just society.

In fostering engagements with diverse partners and communities and in transformative conversations, experiences, and pedagogy, the Center aligns with the college mission in its efforts to ‘foster intellectual excellence and social responsibility, enabling our students to thrive in their chosen careers, flourish in life, and face the urgent challenges of the times.’

Areas of Distinction

  • The Center attracts students from across campus, engaging them in issues of social impact by connecting them with scholars and practitioners both on and off campus. This includes public events and visits from academics and professionals working on such issues across Northeast Ohio.
  • The Center provides students with networking and mentorship opportunities as they seek to pursue careers and educational opportunities in the area of social impact (i.e. policy, human rights, education, charity/nonprofit sector, law and legal studies, social work, etc.)
  • The Center connects students to service and experiential-based learning, research, and internship opportunities across the areas of social impact. This affords students the chance to gain applied, practical experience in understanding, analyzing and addressing a range of pressing contemporary issues.

Primary Academic Programs Associated with the Center (others may also be influenced by the Center)

  • Sociology
  • History
  • Environmental Studies
  • Educational Studies
  • Political Science
  • Psychology

Key Personnel

  • James Rhodes, Director of the Center for Social Impact; Associate Professor of Sociology
  • Kathy Luschek, Coordinator