Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities
The Upper Mississippi Center at Augustana is dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges in both urban and rural landscapes along the river by leveraging the college's resources to foster learning opportunities for students. Central to its mission is a transdisciplinary approach that emphasizes interdisciplinary research, integrating insights from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to create innovative solutions informed by diverse perspectives. Additionally, the center prioritizes authentic community engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, ensuring that research is both relevant and impactful. Through these efforts, the center aims to assist communities in overcoming sustainability challenges while cultivating lasting relationships between Augustana College and the surrounding communities along the Upper Mississippi River, ultimately strengthening community resilience and sustainability.
Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness
The Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness is an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to enhancing campus and community well-being through applied student research, internships, community service, and various experiential learning opportunities. Following Dr. Langley’s findings on health disparities in the Quad City area, the center has directed its projects to address these critical issues, aligning its focus with Hettler’s six dimensions of wellness—occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional. This approach not only enriches the student experience but also connects broadly with the college’s curricular and co-curricular programs, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both students and the surrounding community.