Community-Based Research Leads to National Award

‘Ville student Elizabeth Rohrback, a junior sociology major, is Millersville University’s Newman Civic Fellow. She was nominated to be a Newman fellow because of her passion for social reform by Dr. Carrie Smith, professor of sociology.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program for students from Campus Compact member institutions. The students selected for the fellowship are leaders on their campuses who demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally and internationally.

Rohrback is interested in the criminal justice system and its impact on communities. She studies evidence-based policing strategies as well as the effectiveness of diversion programs and treatment courts in reducing crime and recidivism. Rohrback explained one goal she hopes to achieve through her work.

“I believe that if we give people the resources and encouragement to succeed, they will have a much better chance at building a life for themselves compared to being isolated away from their support system and community in prison,” says Rohrback.

Campus Compact is a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Rohrback joins a select group of 212 students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.

The fellowship is named for the late 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, Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors nominate student leaders from their campuses to be named Newman Civic Fellows.

Learn more at https://compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship/. 

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