NEWS

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has appointed Carlton L. Kinard '16 as program coordinator for the institution’s Muller Center.

In his new role, the Newberry city councilman will connect students to community service opportunities and deepen civic engagement on and off campus.

“Mr. Kinard’s love and dedication to both the College and the Newberry community make him the ideal candidate for this position,” said Dr. Krista E. Hughes, director of the Muller Center. “And with his history of civic service, especially at such a young age, he is a wonderful model and mentor for our students.”

In addition to expanding the number of the college’s community partners, Kinard will play a vital role in several collaborative projects. These include an effort to establish Gallman Place, a community center at the former Gallman High School. As Newberry’s high school for Black students from 1954 until its integration with Newberry High in 1970, the Gallman site remains an important landmark for its surrounding community.

“I believe in the vision of the College and the Muller Center, and I am excited to play a part in making that vision come to fruition,” said Kinard.

The Muller Center, established in 2015 and named for Lutheran benefactor John D. Muller Jr., offers opportunities for volunteerism, community-based learning, leadership development and vocational reflection. Ongoing student initiatives include Muller Research Fellowships and the Sophomore Sojourners program.

Among Kinard’s initial duties is reaching out to community partners to learn more about their plans and projects for the coming year. Any organizations interested in partnering with the Muller Center, or any in need of volunteers, are invited to contact the center at Muller.Center@newberry.edu or 803.321.5615.