Annie Henseler, a junior majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), was selected as one of 173 students across 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico, to be named one of Campus Compact’s 2022-23 Newman Civic Fellows. 

“Annie’s service and leadership is impressive,” said Renee Brown, Director of the Center for Community Engaged Learning. “Her dedication for working with and supporting students with disabilities is evidenced by her commitment to the MSU Tower Guard and the MSU Lifting Individuals and Families through Empowerment Research Laboratory. We are so pleased that she was selected to join the prestigious Campus Compact Newman Fellowship and look forward to working with her in this new role.”

The fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who are changemakers and public problem solvers. A core component of the fellowship focuses on building a national network of engaged student leaders who can support one another in building transformational partnerships between campuses and communities. These individuals are nominated by their president or chancellor based on their potential for public leadership. 

“Annie Henseler is a member of the Michigan State Tower Guard Honors and Service Society, representing the top 0.8% of her class, working to serve students who utilize accommodations offered by MSU’s Resource Center for People with Disabilities,” said MSU President, Samuel L. Stanley Jr. “In this role, Annie has learned how to translate inaccessible educational textbooks and documents into screen reader accessible e-text documents. She is committed to serving as an advocate for the 19% of undergraduate students in the United States who have a disability and wishes to positively affect the graduation rate of this group of students.” 

Through the fellowship, Henseler will participate in one year of networking, learning, and skill-building with some of the most engaged student civic leaders across the country.  

“I’m particularly excited about the connections I will make with other community-oriented students, in addition to guidance and trainings, which will help me develop skills and strategies for societal change,” Henseler said. “I have always believed that the most concrete way to make the world a better place was through education. Learning how to be an effective leader will be essential both in my future career, and in my journey with MSU.” 

After graduation, Henseler plans on pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis, followed by completing a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Analysis. Most of her current work, as well as personal interests, are focused on encouraging students with disabilities, as well as assisting their parents, guardians, teachers, and support systems in helping their student feel comfortable within an educational setting. She intends to continue helping students with disabilities through research, mentoring, and consulting, while also contributing to increased awareness of equity and accessibility within education as a whole. 

“It is through assuring that each person can access knowledge, that we are able to equip our communities with the tools to handle the root of many of today's social issues and inequities,” Henseler said. “I know my focus and passions will be scaffolded by every topic I will learn this upcoming year.”