J unior Axel Hawkins has been named a 2023 Newman Civic Fellow due to her outstanding leadership at Georgia College & State University and in the Milledgeville community.

The McDonough resident is majoring in history with a minor in political science.

“I feel truly honored to be recognized for my commitment to public service. Of course,” Hawkins said, “I don’t take on the work I do for the recognition. You go into public service knowing it’s often a thankless job.”

“But I’m very glad to know that my work stood out and that people have been able to see how much I value leadership for the public good,” she said. “I am very, very thankful to have been given such a unique opportunity.”

Campus Compact is a non-profit coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to public purpose in higher education. It selected 154 student leaders nationwide as Newman Civic Fellows for its 2023 cohort. The program “recognizes students who stand out for their commitment to creating positive change in communities locally and around the world.”

Hawkins was one of two students in Georgia to be chosen—the other is a student at Mercer University.

Colleges and universities can submit one exceptional student candidate for the fellowship per year. Georgia College students are appointed through the university’s Leadership Program, then personally nominated by President Cox.

Right from the start as a first-year student, Hawkins “distinguished herself as a leader,” Cox wrote in her nomination. Hawkins served as chair of the Student Emergency Fund in the Student Government Association (SGA). In her sophomore year, she was elected SGA treasurer.

This year, Hawkins is the SGA vice president.

She's currently working to create an organization for first-generation college students. It’ll serve as a support system for current students—but also as a way to generate more first-generation students by holding application workshops in local high schools.

Hawkins has also canvassed for political candidates and served as a community organizer for Working America, which addresses workers' rights, housing shortage issues and inequality.

“Axel’s commitment to civic leadership and improving our communities and world are a source of inspiration,” said Dr. Harold Mock, director of Georgia College’s Leadership Programs. “The Newman Civic Fellowship will empower Axel to learn and to provide leadership for the public good.”

The program is named after one of Campus Compact founders, the late Frank Newman, who advocated for civic engagement in higher education. Fellows have access to exclusive scholarships and post-graduate opportunities. They participate in virtual training to learn skills and make connections for future “large-scale positive changes.”

An annual convention of Newman Civic Fellows involves two days of “intensive in-person skill-building and networking.” These interactions are what Hawkins most looks forward to.

“It will allow me to connect with other civic-minded young leaders across the nation. I have a decent-sized network throughout Georgia, but the fellowship will allow me to meet people across the country who I otherwise might never have come into contact with,” Hawkins said.

“The fellowship will provide the opportunity for me to learn more about the ways people are addressing various contemporary issues across the country—that I might be able to apply at home,” she said.

Hawkins plans to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration, then work in the public sector focusing on rural economic development and prosperity. She credits Georgia College as the primary reason for getting actively involved in public service.

“It has been our unique commitment to a modern liberal arts education, civic involvement and learning beyond-the-classroom that has provided me the opportunities to step up and get involved, both on campus and within the broader regional community,” Hawkins said.

“The world of public service can be quite difficult to navigate, especially as a college student,” she said. “Words cannot express how thankful I am that my peers and our staff, faculty and administration have been there to help me along every step of the way.”