Dirk S. Moore, Director
As part of the university's mission to integrate education with service and citizenship, the Appalachian Center for Civic Life exists to help individuals and student groups with short-term and extended service activities. It also seeks to establish service partnerships between the university and local communities. The center houses the Bonner Scholars Program. Its staff coordinates service-learning placements, encourages volunteerism across the campus, and plans for a diversity of ways in which persons can become involved in the community. Guided by a vision of what people can accomplish when working together, the center's work is defined by the conviction that everyone has the potential to make a difference in the community. The center works to identify key challenges in the community and to direct university resources to help meet those challenges. The center's staff is available to provide educational opportunities for campus and community groups on such topics as Appalachian political economy, Appalachian culture, rural community development, citizen engagement, and social change.
Leah Wilson
Associate Director of the Appalachian Center for Civic Life and Director, Bonner Scholars Program Appalachian Center
Leah holds a bachelor’s of science degree in mathematics and a bachelor’s of arts degree in religion from High Point University in North Carolina. Following graduation, she become a 2010 corps member of Teach For America, taking a position in Phoenix, Ariz. During this time, she served as a special education, math, and STEM teacher to high school students while simultaneously earning a master’s degree in special education from Arizona State University. She also has experience coaching athletics, including the sports cross country, soccer, and track and field. She also teaches group fitness classes with Virtual Fitness for Women.
Jaylin Parker
Bonner Scholar Coordinator Appalachian Center for Civic Life
Jaylin hails from Mobile, Ala., but has called North Carolina home since 2016. In 2023, she earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Mars Hill University, with minors in community leadership and Spanish. While at Mars Hill, she was a Bonner Scholar and was actively involved in service and leadership activities. Following graduation, she pursued a master’s degree in organizational training and performance management at Tusculum University, completing the program in 2025.