For the second time in a row, Forest Institute was named to the National President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.  This year Forest did so with distinction for it's continued work in the community, making it one of only five schools in Missouri to hold this honor. 

The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, the initiative celebrates the transformative power and volunteer spirit that exists within the higher education community.

"Through service, these institutions are creating the next generation of leaders by challenging students to tackle tough issues and create positive impacts in the community,” said Robert Velasco, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. "We applaud the Honor Roll schools, their faculty and students for their commitment to make service a priority in and out of the classroom. Together, service and learning increase civic engagement while fostering social innovation among students, empowering them to solve challenges within their communities.”

Among projects Forest highlighted in its submission were its continued outreach through the Robert J. Murney Clinic where students complete nearly 10,000 client contact hours per month, its practicum which allows students to work with a variety of populations throughout the Ozarks, and its Federal Work-Study program which hosts the Give-A-Day program, allowing students to give up one day of their duties to volunteer at a local organization.

"Forest faculty and students have been serving our community since 1995 and are honored to be recognized for their contributions to the betterment of our community. We are pleased to contribute to the health of citizens in Southwest Missouri," said Dr. Mark Skrade, President of Forest Institute.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which has administered the Honor Roll since 2006, admitted a total of 642 schools to colleges and universities for their impact on issues from literacy and neighborhood revitalization to supporting at-risk youth. Of that total, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, 110 received the recognition of Honor Roll with distinction (including Forest Institute), 14 were identified as finalists, and five received the Presidential Award. Campuses named to this year's Honor Roll reported that nearly one million of their students engaged in service learning and more than 1.6 million participated in other forms of community service, serving a total of more than 105 million hours. For a full list of recipients, visit NationalService.gov/HonorRoll.