Partnerships
Community Engagement & Partnerships at 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×
Creating Connections. Building Futures.
At 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×, community engagement is more than a mission — it’s in our DNA. We were founded after a group of local leaders went to Atlanta and demanded an institution of higher learning in Columbus. We continue to repay that commitment to our community through collaboration, shared vision, and a commitment to mutual growth. That’s why 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× is proud to be a catalyst for change in the Chattahoochee Valley and beyond, partnering with local organizations, schools, businesses, and civic leaders to create a brighter future — together.
A University That Gives Back
Our students, faculty, and staff are deeply embedded in the life of the region. Through service-learning courses, volunteer initiatives, and community-based research, 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× cultivates civic responsibility and real-world impact. Each year, our students contribute thousands of service hours to projects that address real community needs — from education and health to the arts and economic development.
Partnerships with Purpose
91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s partnerships are designed to be sustainable, strategic, and centered on shared outcomes. Whether we’re working with local school districts to strengthen teacher education, collaborating with health care providers to support wellness initiatives, or teaming up with nonprofits to solve social challenges, we approach every partnership with a focus on innovation, equity, and excellence.
Some key community partnerships include:
- Uptown Columbus – Home to our RiverPark campus, Uptown Columbus supports urban revitalization and economic vibrancy.
- Muscogee County School District – Enhances educational pipelines from K–12 to college; every teacher candidate who graduates from 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× and passes the required competency test is promised a job in the Muscogee County School District
- Choose Columbus and Columbus Chamber of Commerce – Aligns workforce development with local industry needs.
- RiverCenter for the Performing Arts – Home to 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s nationally renowned Schwob School of Music, this community gem enriches cultural life through performance and education.
- Regional nonprofits and civic groups – Tackling issues like food insecurity, housing, and youth development.
- 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Foundation Board of Trustees – Led by high-profile local leaders, this a non-profit corporation enhances the academic vision and priorities of 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× through its organized fundraising activities and funds management.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×, community engagement enhances academic success. Students gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of their fields while making a positive difference. These high-impact experiences prepare our graduates to lead, serve, and thrive in a global society.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite community members, organizations, and prospective partners to connect with us. Whether you have an idea, a challenge, or a shared goal, 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× is ready to listen, collaborate, and act.
Together, we can create lasting impact — right here at home.
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Shana D. Young, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement
The Leadership Institute - Continuing & Professional Education - Center for Career
Design - William B. Turner Center for Servant Leadership
706.569.2415 | 706.332.2209 | young_shana@columbusstate.edu
John Lester, Chief Engagement Officer
706-507-8725 | lester_john@columbusstate.edu