LaShanda A Patton 260x300

LaShanda A. Patton, MS

  • Director, Center for Civic Engagement
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Education

  • M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership
    Widener University (PA)
  • MS, Organizational Leadership and Development
    Peirce College (PA) 

About Me

As the Director of Civic Engagement, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center for Civic Engagement, the Bonner Leaders, Maguire Foundation Scholars, and the Pride Service Site Leaders scholarship programs. I am tasked with developing strategies to improve engagement, and manage the programs designed to foster it. As a veteran, my approach has always been service over self. Along with commitment, integrity and teamwork. I have always had a passion for community engagement.

Here in the Center, we focus on growing partnerships, expanding the reach of campus and community engagement, and supporting advocacy efforts. This role allows me to be an integral part of preparing, educating, empowering, and developing our scholar program students into more civically minded leaders. The scholar’s and I work to build a more collaborative campus and deeper connections to our community partners that directly align with the university’s civic mission.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, visit the Center for Civic Engagement on the 2nd floor of the University Center. Also, check out our new volunteering platform GivePulse! (available through mywidener).

In the Media

Noteworthy

  • Widener Civic Engagement Students Volunteer with Chester Upland School District

    Fifty Widener students representing the Center for Civic Engagement volunteered alongside community partners at the Chester Upland School District’s Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway to help local students and families prepare for the start of a new school year. 

    Throughout the event, volunteers helped to create a welcoming and exciting experience for families by distributing backpacks, school supplies, food, clothes and more to ensure that students are set up for success. 

    “The day provided an opportunity for our scholars to connect directly with the Chester community and begin the academic year through meaningful service,” said LaShanda Patton, director of civic engagement. “Their participation reflected the spirit of the Center for Civic Engagement and our commitment to leading, serving, engaging and making a lasting impact!”

    Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-civic-engagement-students-volunteer-chester-upland-school-district

    Widener student volunteers pose for a group photo at the back-to-school volunteer drive


     

  • Political Science and Sociology Student Receives ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll

    By: Riya Sembhi '25 secondary education, English

    Taylor Easter ‘25, a political science and sociology major, has been recognized for her nonpartisan democratic engagement work as an awardee of the 2023 ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge’s Student Voting Honor Roll. She was one of just 175 students nationally to be recognized through the program.

    ALL IN works to improve civic engagement, voter participation, and political education with campuses nationwide.  

    The award highlights Easter’s commitment to increasing student voting rates, education, and turnout efforts, as well as ensuring equitable access to the polls. With a focus on civic engagement, Easter hopes to continue her political engagement on campus and beyond. She credited Director of Civic Engagement LaShanda A. Patton for unwavering support and encouragement of her efforts at Widener.

    Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/30346/