Directory
A-Z Index
 

About The Center for Engagement & Community Connection

Connecting Bearcats. Empowering Communities.

The Center for Engagement and Community Connection (CECC) is a vibrant hub for engagement, belonging, and leadership at Northwest Missouri State University. Open to all students, faculty, staff, and the broader Maryville community, CECC serves as a bridge— creating meaningful opportunities for engagement that affirm identity, demonstrate inclusion, and build lifelong connections.

Through dynamic programming, peer mentorship, life skills workshops, academic support, and leadership development, the center helps every Bearcat thrive—both in and out of the classroom.

Whether you're attending a cultural event, leading a campus dialogue, participating in a workshop, or finding support in your academic journey, CECC is your space to grow, connect, and belong.

Mission

The Center for Engagement and Community Connection (CECC) fosters a campus culture where all Bearcats feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through inclusive programming, leadership development, academic support, and community partnerships, we cultivate spaces that affirm identity, promote dialogue, and inspire lifelong learning and civic engagement.

Vision

To create a thriving Northwest community where every student, faculty, and staff member is connected, confident, and committed to building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate world—on campus and beyond.

Our Core Values

Through the work of CECC—in partnership with our campus collaborators and the broader community—we strive to embody the following values:

Empowerment: We equip students, faculty, and staff with the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed, lead with purpose, and create meaningful change.

Community: We prioritize a strong sense of belonging by fostering authentic relationships, encouraging collaboration, and maintaining inclusive spaces where everyone is respected and valued.

Cultural Affirmation: We honor and uplift the diverse cultural identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences of our campus community, offering programs and spaces that reflect and celebrate this richness.

Holistic Student Success: We support the complete development of every student—academically, personally, socially, and professionally—recognizing that true success extends well beyond the classroom.

Connection: We act as a bridge between students, faculty, staff, and the Maryville community, creating opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and shared learning.

Lifelong Learning: We encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and ongoing development, supporting students, faculty, and staff in their continuous journey of learning, growth, and exploration.

Strategic Planning Reports