Students recognized for commitment to solving public problems
Angelica Thomas, Newman Civic Fellow
Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named the student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico who will make up the 2025-2026 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Angelica Thomas, a student at the University of Central Arkansas, was named as a member of the cohort.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Dr. Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
This year’s Newman Civic Fellow from the University of Central Arkansas is Angelica Thomas, a student leader who has represented her peers in the Student Government Association, served as a peer mentor and pedagogical assistant in the Honors Program, and led the Feminist Union. She is also an advocate and volunteer in the community through causes such as the Arkansas Citizens Climate Lobby, League of Women Voters and AmeriCorps. Thomas has developed partnerships among student organizations, departments and community organizations and made a measurable difference on campus, in the Conway community and in the state of Arkansas. Thomas was selected through a campus-wide nomination process during which faculty, staff and students were asked to submit nominations. All nominees were invited to submit additional application materials for consideration by the selection committee.
“Angelica is a dedicated public servant, skilled collaborator and diligent problem solver,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “She has used every opportunity presented to her to build her network of partners in the community and help connect her fellow students to community engagement opportunities, and she will be an excellent representative of UCA in this cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.”
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships and post-graduate opportunities.
“It is an honor to welcome this group of accomplished and dedicated students to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur said. “As higher education faces unprecedented challenges, these students exemplify the power and possibility of civic and community engagement on campus.
“As they emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, we are proud that this fellowship will be part of their story. From a variety of institutions and with diverse backgrounds and experiences, these Fellows represent a bright future for public problem solving.”
More information is available at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. More information about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort is available at compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows.
About Campus Compact
Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities that supports, engages, and challenges higher education to realize its public purpose. Campus Compact empowers colleges and universities to advance their academic and civic missions by partnering with communities to address complex social issues and further equity, justice, and prosperity for all. Founded in 1985, Campus Compact is the nation’s largest and oldest national association dedicated to advancing the civic and community engagement mission of higher education. Our members make up a force of thousands of presidents, faculty, researchers, students, and civic and community engagement experts. Campus Compact envisions colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life. We challenge all of higher education to make civic and community engagement an institutional priority. Learn more at compact.org.