Service-learning defined
Service-learning is experiential learning
It's considered a high-impact practice – which refers to educational methods that are often associated with recruitment, retention, and engagement from students. The Citizenship & Service-Learning (CASL) office supports all levels of service-learning at Missouri State, connecting students, faculty, and partner organizations together to make a positive difference in the community.
Learn more about the different types and attributes of service-learning on our page for faculty and advisors.
Students can go to our students page to learn about the benefits of service-learning and how to add a course.
Facing real issues
We strive to address real issues
We base our partnerships, programs and goals on the latest Springfield Community Focus
Report. This ensures students are contributing to work that really matters. Visit
Springfield Community Focus to learn more.
Expert guidance
Our work is guided by experts
Members of Missouri State's Faculty Senate serve on our Oversight Committee. And leaders in the local community serves as ambassadors on our Community Partner Ambassador Advisory Board. Learn more by taking a look at the links below.
Our impact
Academic year 2024-2025
Students
Up from 7,891 last academic year, this is the number of Missouri State students and Greenwood Laboratory School* students who participated in service-learning in 2024-2025.
Greenwood Laboratory School high school students contributed a total of 900 hours of service during the 2024 Walkable Springfield Restoration Project. Their service was valued at $28,989.
Hours
Service-learning students served over 85,000 hours combined in the 2024-2025 academic year to communities locally, nationally, and globally.
Value
2,770,157 dollars worth of service was provided by Missouri State service-learning students in the 2024-2025 academic year. This is calculated at IndependentSector.org, using their tool for assessing volunteer and service-learning hours and the value of each hour for a community organizations who would otherwise have to pay for the service.
Community
There were an estimated 300+ community partners available to service-learning students in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Annual reports
Get a CASL-based blast from the past. Check out a series of annual reports we did from 2011-2020, the days before reporting went digital and direct.
Our team
Service-Learning Staff
Dr. Kathy Nordyke
Director
katherinenordyke@missouristate.edu
417-836-6060
Charles Whitaker
Editor and Communications Manager
417-836-4382
Hallie Jones
hallie211795@live.missouristate.edu
417-836-5774