The Center for Civic Advancement

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In support of Tusculum University’s mission of providing an education rich in civic engagement, the Center for Civic Advancement (CCA) provides opportunities for students and the greater university community through civic programing, community partnerships, and service opportunities. The CCA organizes the major civic engagement initiatives on campus, including voter registration and voter education; Constitution Day, the Green Team, the United Way Campaign, the Angel Tree program, an alternative service Spring Break, the organization of volunteers for the Old Oak Festival, and supplies the new Pioneer Exchange (PX), a free food pantry and clothing closet available for students.

At the start of the academic year, the CCA organizes a Freshmen Day of Service for all incoming students as a part of the university’s orientation programming. Classes partner with community organizations and nonprofits to introduce new students to the culture or service and civic engagement at Tusculum. In August 2023 the entire incoming class worked to assemble 500 hygiene / care packages for the Tennessee Valley Coalition for Homelessness. But the CCA’s biggest event is Nettie Day, a campus-wide service initiative in September. Mrs. Nettie Fowler McCormick (1835-1923) was a financial advisor and philanthropist, who donated generously to the University in both service and financial contributions. In honor of her service, the Tusculum community comes together to serve back to the greater community, volunteering in service projects throughout east Tennessee.

The CCA also houses the University's chapter of the Bonner Leader Program. Founded by Bertram F. Bonner and his wife Corella Allen Bonner, the Bonner Foundation is a national philanthropic organization based in Princeton, New Jersey. In 1997, the Foundation launched the Bonner Leader Program designed to encourage students to develop lives of service, civic engagement, and social justice. Through their service placements, Tusculum Bonners have worked with organizations or initiatives, such as Rural Resources, the All-In Democracy Challenge, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), local elementary schools, tutoring and teaching assistants, recycling, or created their own programming on campus, such as Denim Day (International Sexual Assault Awareness Day), Morgan’s Message (Mental Health Awareness for Student Athletes), and Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness.