Four University of Georgia faculty members have been recognized by the Office of Service-Learning with 2025’s Service-Learning Excellence Awards. These awards recognize faculty for outstanding service-learning instruction and advancing service-learning scholarship. Since 2011, more than 35 UGA faculty have received these awards.
Emily Sahakian, associate professor with the Department of Theatre and Film and the Department of Romance Languages in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, conducts research on the role theatre can play in connecting with communities, addressing complex history and solving present-day problems. Sahakian and her students draw inspiration from archival materials, oral history and personal experiences to create collaborative performances that engage and involve communities in dialogue and art to discuss freedom, justice and a better future.
“Through Dr. Sahakian’s service-learning courses, by codesigning performances with community members, students have reinforced concepts they have learned. Communities, in turn, have encountered firsthand the role that the humanities can play in improving the quality of their lives and shaping networks of trust and connection,” one colleague wrote.
In her Media and Criminal Justice course, Anna Rogers, senior lecturer and undergraduate coordinator in the Department of Sociology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, inspires her students to challenge criminal justice stereotypes surrounding both infamous and unfamiliar court cases. Rogers’ students review media coverage and reflect on pop culture’s lasting effect on these trials through a sociological lens. With this perspective, students then spend 25 hours volunteering with Project Safe and other local nonprofit organizations that support those affected by these cases, reflecting on the importance of becoming involved in their community and their personal growth as students of criminal justice.
“As a current student of this class, the course material, as well as participation in service events for Project Safe, has opened my eyes to the positive impacts college students can have on their community as well as their university,” one student wrote.
Stephan A. Durham provides his students with opportunities to complete real-world engineering projects that benefit communities. By collaborating with Archway Partnership, a Public Service and Outreach unit, Durham’s students connect with clients and take the lead on various community development projects. Students work in teams to assess challenges, design innovative solutions and present actionable plans to clients. From developing pedestrian safety projects to improving stormwater mitigation to enhancing public spaces, Durham’s students gain hands-on experience while also developing professional skills as effective leaders and communicators.
“These opportunities successfully integrate community service with academic coursework and enhance student learning while addressing community needs,” one colleague wrote.
Stacy M. Campbell, Synovus Director of the Institute for Leadership Advancement (ILA) with the Terry College of Business, connects her students to partner organizations working to benefit the community. Students in the ILA have the opportunity to work as consultants to identify challenges and develop strategies to advance these organizations, whether that be through raising awareness, enhancing processes or strengthening volunteer and donor support. Campbell’s students work with dozens of organizations each year.
“Dr. Campbell’s dedication to service-learning excellence is evident in her courses, her commitment to developing student leaders, and her ability to facilitate impactful partnerships between students and the community. Through her mentorship, our team not only learned the principles of project management but also developed a deeper appreciation for the power of service to create a lasting impact,” two students wrote.