Reagan Smith, a senior at Wake Forest University, has been recognized with the 2025 Community Impact Student Award by North Carolina Campus Engagement (NCCE). The award is given annually to one student from each NCCE member institution. NCCE is a statewide organization that brings together colleges and universities to promote civic responsibility and community partnerships.
Smith, who is from Orange County, California, will graduate this month with degrees in molecular biology and Spanish. She was nominated for her leadership in public health projects in Winston-Salem and her involvement with Wake Forest’s AmeriCorps program.
Brad Shugoll, Director of Service and Leadership for Wake Forest’s Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE), said, “Reagan’s deep commitment to partnering with non-profit organizations and existing campus programs has supported a sustainable model for improving public health in the Winston-Salem community.”
Smith has completed more than 1,000 volunteer hours through AmeriCorps and other OCCE opportunities. She explained her motivation for volunteering: “Community involvement is important to me because it gives me a genuine sense of belonging and purpose, which feel especially meaningful in today’s world. It is easy to feel ‘connected’ through social media, but that type of connection is very different from showing up in person, helping someone meet their needs, and being able to advocate for them.”
After graduation, Smith plans to stay in Winston-Salem. She will work at Cancer Services—a nonprofit she previously served through AmeriCorps—and continue volunteering at Shalom Medical Clinic. Additionally, she will help support the AmeriCorps Public Health program on campus.
Smith encourages other students interested in volunteering to focus on causes they care about: “Don’t be afraid that you’re not competent, or good enough, or have exactly the right skill set,” she said. “You are always more capable than the person who doesn’t show up.”
More information about North Carolina Campus Engagement can be found at nccampusengagement.org.
