Submitted by: Jennifer Brewer, jbrewer1@uca.edu on 02/02/2026
We’re excited to share that Stephanie Alsbrook has been named the new Director of Service-Learning with the UCA Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership. Stephanie brings a strong commitment to community engagement and building meaningful partnerships that connect learning with real-world impact.
Stephanie serves in dual roles as UCA’s Director of Service-Learning and a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Nutrition and Family Sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Master of Science in Nutrition from UCA and has much experience in community service, program coordination, and leadership development.
In her role as Director, Stephanie provides vision and leadership for service-learning efforts on campus, supporting faculty in integrating meaningful community engagement into coursework, expanding community partnerships, and providing reflection that connects students’ academic work with civic responsibility.
What Excites Me Most About This New Role
“What excites me most about serving as Director of Service-Learning is the opportunity to connect students, faculty, and community partners in ways that are mutually beneficial and transformative. I have experienced firsthand the power of service-learning for students and communities, and I look forward to helping spark a shared passion for service-learning across disciplines.”
Goals I’m Looking Forward To Pursuing
“In this role, I look forward to strengthening campus–community partnerships, supporting faculty in designing impactful service-learning experiences, and expanding opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in authentic settings. My goal is to elevate service-learning pedagogy to support student success, civic engagement, and community wellbeing.”
Previous Experience to Highlight
Stephanie has coordinated federal and state-level nutrition and education programs, managed multiple grants, engaged diverse community partners, and advised on legislation and policy related to nutrition, hunger relief, and farm-to-school initiatives. She has been recognized by the USDA for her leadership in mentoring and workforce development efforts and has represented Arkansas at the National Governors’ Association Summit on Reducing Childhood Hunger. Her teaching and research emphasize experiential learning, leadership development, and community and public health nutrition.
Stephanie’s passion for service-learning and student development aligns closely with the mission of UCA’s Service-Learning program to enrich learning, foster civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. We look forward to her leadership as service-learning continues to grow across campus.
Something Fun to Share
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys woodcrafting, trying new recipes, and traveling with her family. She values creativity, problem-solving, and connection—both inside and outside the classroom.
