Contact: Emily Springer, sprin116@msu.edu

Contact: Catherine Anger, angercat@msu.edu

EAST LANSING, MI —Renee Miller Zientek, executive director of MSU’s Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL), has received national recognition for her leadership in advancing equitable community-engaged learning and civic participation.

Miller Zientek received the Nadinne Cruz Community Engagement Professional Award from Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to public purpose in higher education.

Alongside her work at CCEL, Miller Zientek co-directs MSUvote, a nonpartisan initiative centered on registering and educating student voters. She was recognized for strengthening reciprocal partnerships and expanding opportunities for students to contribute to community priorities and democratic life. “Throughout her career, she has championed collaborative practices that elevate community expertise and support students in becoming engaged, responsible changemakers,” Campus Compact said in announcing the awards.

“For over two decades, Ms. Miller Zientek has advanced community-engaged learning in Michigan and nationally through programs, scholarship, and partnerships grounded in access, reciprocity, and transformation," wrote MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., in a letter supporting Miller Zientek’s nomination. "Renee’s career embodies a profound dedication to community and democracy and demonstrates the transformative power of higher education when it truly partners with the world it serves."

Upon receiving the award, Miller Zientek said, “I am deeply honored . . . This recognition reflects the extraordinary communities, students, colleagues, and institutional leaders I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. Community engagement is never the work of one individual; it is built through shared purpose, trust, reciprocity, and a commitment to social justice and community vitality.”

CCEL dually reports to MSU’s Office of University Outreach and Engagement (UOE) and Student Affairs, reflecting its role in strengthening community partnerships and advancing student engagement across the university.

The award reflects the values that set MSU apart as a land-grant university that views community members as equal partners in making meaningful change, said Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for UOE.

“We are proud of this national recognition for Renee's leadership in advancing MSU's public mission through engaged learning and community partnerships," Brookins said.

Additionally, Roberto Garcia, an MSU junior double majoring in English and sociology, was received Campus Compact’s Student Leadership Award.

Garcia was one of four students nationwide to receive the award, which recognizes his leadership, community impact, and commitment to learning from and deeply engaging with communities.

"Roberto has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, consistently translating his values into meaningful action that benefits both campus and community," wrote Miller Zientek in a letter supporting Garcia’s nomination. "He exemplifies the ideals of public service and possesses the determination, intellect, and compassion to create meaningful, lasting change."

Garcia is a member of the 2025-26 Community Engagement Scholars Program (CESP), an initiative of CCEL and the Office of the President. Through this program, he is partnered with the Tenant Resource Center to promote housing access in Lansing. Garcia previously served in the program’s 2023-24 cohort, during which he partnered with the Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing to help expand youth programming. He has also served as a team leader for CCEL’s Alternative Spring Breaks, guiding peers through weeklong service projects, and volunteered with fellow Spartans on Days of Service.

In September 2025, Garcia was named a 2025-2026 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact. This fellowship provides students with opportunities for learning, networking, and collaborating to effectively create positive change in their community. 

James Hintz, vice president for Student Affairs, said Campus Compact’s recognition of both Miller Zientek as a professional and Garcia as a student is a testament to MSU’s commitment to community-engaged learning and the development of future leaders.

“Renee’s leadership has helped inspire countless students like Roberto to become engaged in their communities and leaders in their own right,” said Hintz. “And we are thrilled to see Roberto carry those values forward by inspiring other students to change their communities through collaboration and a commitment to justice.”

Miller Zientek and Garcia will be recognized at Campus Compact’s annual conference on March 16 in Chicago.