UCA’s Community Development Institute (CDI) Central has been selected as the recipient of the Recognition of Excellence for Innovations in Outreach and Engagement Award given by the University Continuing Education Association.
The award recognizes creativity and innovation in the field, and will be presented at the UCEA Annual Conference on April 18 in San Francisco.
UCEA is the national organization that supports outreach divisions. UCEA recognizes Academic Outreach for its commitment to the field of continuing education and for its successful community outreach and engagement initiatives provided through the CDI Central.
“We are honored to be recognized by our peers and to receive an award of this caliber,” says Leonard Seawood, dean of Academic Outreach. “It’s a true testament to the dedication that our staff has to this community and to the entire state of Arkansas.”
CDI Central, located in the Division of Academic Outreach (AOEP), trains community and economic developers from Arkansas and surrounding states.
Since 1987, over 3,000 professionals in community and economic development have attended CDI Central.
“This award represents the revitalization of the Community Development Institute and a renewed commitment to becoming the leading resource for communities in Arkansas and the region,” says Kelly Lyon, Director of CDI Central.
UCA is the home of the region’s only Community Development Institute and online Master of Science in Community and Economic Development. The Division of Academic Outreach is the outreach arm of the university and has engaged the exchange of intellectual resources and expertise between the university and its external community of government agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and individuals since 1919.
The 2010 CDI will be held on the campus of UCA from August 2-6.
Caption: Community Development Institute Staff from left to right: Amy Whitehead, coordinator; Kelly Lyon, director; Ancil Lea, III, director of community relations.
