Newman Civic Fellowship

The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who are changemakers and public problem-solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor on the basis of their potential for public leadership.

At the end of each Fall semester, Texas State University nominates a current student to represent our university through this fellowship.

APPLICATIONS

Both faculty and staff nominations and student applications are closed and will re-open Fall 2024. The 2024-2025 Newman Civic Fellow candidate will be announced in the Spring semester.

What does being a Newman Civic Fellow entail?

Throughout the fellowship year, Campus Compact provides selected students with opportunities for learning and networking virtually and in person. Each opportunity is designed to help students learn to collaborate effectively across disciplines and to apply their skills to directly create positive change in their communities. Some opportunities and benefits include:

Regular virtual events focused on skill development and professional learning
An annual in-person Convening of Fellows
One-on-one leadership development with a local mentor of their choice
Connection to a nationwide network of engaged student leaders, both during and after the fellowship year
Public national recognition
Special scholarship and career opportunities
Opportunities to present and publish work through Campus Compact

More information about the Newman Civic Fellowship program can be found through Campus Compact.

Eligibility

For eligibility, student nominees must fulfill the following requirements:

Be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at Texas State University. Preference is given to undergraduate students.
Have at least one year of education remaining at the date of nomination, meaning the student fellow must be enrolled as a student for the full duration of their fellowship.
Commit to providing a short reflection piece to Campus Compact during their fellowship year.
Commit to being present and fully engaged in offered fellowship activities.

See our current 2023-2024 Newman Civic Fellow!

Adriana Montoya, Class of 2024

Growing up in a family of educators, I began understanding the importance of civic engagement at a young age. I remember when I was a child and my parents would take me with them when they voted in local elections, and as I stood by them at the ballot box, I felt proud that I too could someday participate in the democratic process. Today I understand how the system I admired as a child is often inequitable in many ways, but this knowledge has only driven me further to fight for representation and lead a life of public service. Since beginning my education at Texas State University, I have hosted get-out-the-vote rallies with Beto O’Rourke and Senator Bernie Sanders, spoken at numerous city government meetings, led voter registration drives, and created voter education programs all to inspire others to be the change they want to see in their community. I know it often seems like this country’s problems are too big to solve, but I also know that a better world is possible because I have witnessed the power of organized people firsthand. I choose to define my civic leadership simply by helping others see this power too.

Visit the Campus Compact website to see her full page.