Hiwassee College is dedicated to serving the surrounding community and is doing so in many ways.

In addition to sharing its campus recreational and educational facilities, Hiwassee students are making an impact.

One such student has found a unique way of combining community service with gaining academic credit.

Michael Eitzen Armstrong, a Hiwassee third-year student, has begun an internship working with Jo Stakely at the Monroe County Archives.

He is assisting with identifying, organizing, and preserving important documents of historical significance for the Archives.

Armstrong’s interest in preservation of archives began during a work-study assignment in Hiwassee’s library, working with Dr. Robert Allen, who is taking the lead in preserving the archives of the college.

Opportunities like these help broaden the educational experience for the students to develop leadership skills, and to provide students the satisfaction of contributing to the community in which they live.

One of Hiwassee’s main goals is to foster service learning and civic engagement. This initiative of Armstrong’s is just one of many ways students will be reaching out to the community this academic year.

Armstrong extends an invitation to any volunteers who might be interested in working with him under the direction of Jo Stakely.

According to Armstrong , the only requirements are to be interested in preserving the past and to have legible handwriting.

If you are interested in the Monroe County Archives project, please contact Armstrong at 423-442-2001, Ex. 1266. Please leave your name and phone number if there is no answer. Or you can email Michael at michael.armstrong@hiwassee.edu.

Dedicated to Great Beginnings and celebrating its 162nd academic year, Hiwassee College, located on 400 pastoral acres in Madisonville, is a coeducational college affiliated with the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church and is a private, residential, four-year college with an emphasis on the first two years of college.