An exciting new initiative from two Center for Continuing Education students is being met with great support from the Guilford College community.

“We want to bring the means to help develop minds,” said CCE senior Shawn Bowers. “To take the education from the classroom to our community and develop skills to craft policy.

“This center will give Guilford’s unique minds a place to make impactful change and build upon the concept of a transformative education.”

Bowers and CCE junior Wyaman Simpson are hoping to acquire with grant money the property that was formerly the Cheryl Davis law office on West Friendly Avenue.

“This will not be a CCE student only or a traditional student-only facility,” said Bowers.

“It is intended to be an open facility for all students, including Early College, who want to engage in local politics while attending Guilford College.”

The center will also work to help establish internships and employment for graduating seniors who wish to develop a career in local, state and federal government.

“Throughout campus, there is a yearning to take the skills we learn and apply them immediately,” said Simpson. “There is no reason why we cannot apply these skills in local politics and hone our education through practical application.”

Bowers and Simpson are in the process of gathering support for their proposed Center for Justice and Policy, with notable administration officials and alumni voicing their support.

“Even President Kent Chabotar communicated his support and pride in our initiative,” said Simpson.

The approval from Guilford College‘s president is especially noteworthy.

“You have obviously put much thought and effort into the proposal and I wish you and your colleagues the best,” said Chabotar in an email to Simpson and Bowers.

Other administrators were equally excited to voice their support.

“Faculty members Barbara Lawrence, CCE Dean Rita Serotkin and Nicole Arnold have helped us with our proposal,” said Simpson.

“I am very excited to help,” said CCE student success counselor Nicole Arnold. “It’s fulfilling when we see our students take the skills they have learned and apply it directly back into the college.”

Simpson is a former member of Arnold’s successful “Friend-to-Friend” mentorship program, which helps CCE student’s transition into college life.

“CCE students are increasingly visible on campus thanks to administrative support,” said Arnold.

The support that Simpson and Bowers have received extends off campus as well. Notable politicians like Guilford College alumnus Howard Coble and North Carolina representative John Hardister have sent their support through representatives.

Traditional students are already engaging with Simpson and Bowers to ensure the success of the proposed center.

“We have received interest from eight students to be members of our board,” said Simpson. “Many of them are traditional students.”

The support that Simpson and Bowers have received goes against the stigma that many students have regarding the role of CCE students on campus.

“CCE students are always engaged and bring life experience to the classroom, connecting the subject matter to their own lives,” said Campus Ministry Coordinator Max Carter, who is a supporter of the Justice and Policy Center initiative.

The combined experience of Bowers and Simpson indicates that their proposed Center may be successful.

Simpson has worked in nonprofit management for over 15 years.

Bowers, meanwhile, is a military veteran who has been a campaign affiliate for several local politicians.

“The center will not be about pushing a particular agenda. In fact we hope multiple political views are expressed, clarified and strengthened by engaging in discussion at the center.”

Though Bowers and Simpson have already received support across campus, they are hopeful more people will engage with the Center for Justice and Policy.

“We want to encourage anyone who wants to be politically active and build upon the Quaker principle of community to visit with us and the center,” said Simpson.

“We can be a clear example to naysayers that Guilford College is a place that raises each other up no matter your differences,” said Bowers.