ELON—Appalachian State University senior Kelsey Trevethan has been recognized for outstanding leadership and service by North Carolina Campus Compact, a statewide network of colleges and universities with a shared commitment to community engagement.

Trevethan is one of 21 students chosen by their campus to receive the network’s Community Impact Award. One student leader from each member school receives the honor. More than 200 college students have been recognized by the network since the award was first presented in 2006.

At Appalachian, Trevethan stands out as a passionate advocate for the special needs community. She coordinates KAMPN, a nature-based summer camping program for children with autism and their families. Her fundraising, planning and direction helped the program serve 45 children and families last year. A special education major, she is also a coach for ABLE Recreation, a baseball and networking program for individuals with special needs.

The Clayton native has also been a peer leader for seven alternative break service trips, including the inaugural program in Watauga County, and she chaired the university’s MLK Day of Service Challenge, which placed 200 student volunteers at 20 local nonprofits for a day of service.

Trevethan and other Community Impact Award winners were honored Nov. 7 at the Compact’s annual CSNAP student conference held at UNC Pembroke. The event convened nearly 100 students and staff from more than 20 campuses in the network. In addition to awards presentations, the conference included training on cultural competency, community engagement and the “sustained dialogue” leadership process.

North Carolina Campus Compact, the state affiliate of the national Campus Compact organization, builds the capacity of colleges and universities to produce civically engaged graduates and strengthen communities. Started in 2002 and hosted by Elon University, the statewide network includes 36 public, private and community colleges and universities. Appalachian is a founding member of the network.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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