Barry Univ. Professor Gene Majka named Community Engagement Educator of the Year

Nov. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Miami Shores, Fla. – Gene Majka, assistant professor of nursing, received the Community Engagement Educator of the Year award from Florida Campus Compact. Majka won the award for the independent sector. He was honored Nov. 8 during Florida Campus Compact’s annual awards gala at the University of Tampa.

The award recognizes one outstanding individual in each of the three higher education sectors – state universities, state/community colleges, and independent colleges and universities – for significant contributions to the institutionalization of community engagement by inspiring a vision for service on the campus and supporting faculty, students and/or campus – community partnerships.

Majka is an active member in many community organizations serving the homeless and migrant workers of South Florida. He served on the task force that proposed the design for Barry University’s Center for Community Service Initiatives (CCSI), which nominated him for the statewide award. He has been a nursing faculty member at Barry since September 2002 and teaches community, public health and mental health nursing.

“Mr. Majka exemplifies a high level of commitment to the community, and has made a significant contribution to the health and well-being of underserved populations,” said Glenn Bowen, director of CCSI.  “Moreover, he has played a pivotal role in educating students for roles as community-engaged citizens and leaders.”

Composed of more than 50 college and university presidents, Florida Campus Compact advances the civic purposes of higher education institutions by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility.