Sandy Jacobs, director of community and civic engagement at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, was recently recognized as the 2023 Spirit of Democracy Award recipient for his commitment to improving the community through community service and service learning. The award was presented by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
Jacobs’ work advances students’ intellectual and professional growth through academic programming and community-centered, needs-based projects — including supporting probationary students and creating strong community partnerships. Students at the university completed an average of 30,000 community service hours over the last four academic years. During this time, approximately 25 percent of all students participated in service-learning courses.
“Being nominated for this honor was truly humbling and winning the award has filled me with great excitement,” Jacobs said. “This recognition is something I will treasure for a lifetime. I appreciate the award, but this resulted from a team effort from our office and our students, faculty, and staff.”
Jacobs holds a bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science and a master’s degree in physical education teaching and coaching from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
