Q & A with Dr. Charles Taylor, MNCL program director
Did the program’s launch spark student interest?
We appear to have identified an important educational niche for our community. Enrollment exceeded first-year projections with 23 students admitted into the program. These students are a mix of professionals currently employed in nonprofit organizations, individuals who would like to
move into leadership positions in nonprofits, and others who aspire to create their own nonprofit around social issues that are close to their heart.
What does the program offer students?
The goal of the MNCL program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to create a positive change in the community through the integration of theoretical and applied learning. In nearly every course, students collaborate with local nonprofit or civic organizations to identify unmet needs, provide appropriate assistance, and develop assessment methods to help organizations even more effectively meet their missions.
Dan Prater, director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership, provides instruction in the MNCL program. Program participants can work with the Center on research projects and the development of nonprofit programming.
Additionally, students are learning directly from community nonprofit leaders from organizations such as The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, City of Springfield, Springfield News-Leader, Convoy of Hope, The Northwest Project, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and the American Red Cross of Southern Missouri.
What are some of the outcomes for year one?
Our first graduates will earn their degrees in August 2017. We have already seen an increase in the number of organizations interested in working with Drury’s MNCL graduates. We anticipate that with this growing public awareness of the program, there will be an increased effectiveness in an already robust nonprofit and civic community.
When is the next opportunity to start the program?
We accept applications throughout the year. Admitted students can start the program in Summer, Fall or Spring semesters. In summer 2017 we are offing courses in Social Advocacy, Grant Writing for Social Impact, and Social Media Strategy.
Questions?
It’s easy to schedule a visit (phone or in-person) with Dr. Charles Taylor, ctaylor@drury.edu.
