In this episode of the GridgeFridge, we sit down with Mary Beth Collins, the executive director for the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies at the School of Human Ecology.

With a background in social justice work, law, the nonprofit sector, and now secondary education, Collins has built a career centered on advocacy, collaboration and civic responsibility for both her community and the students she teaches. As a global citizen, a proud mother, and someone with a wide array of perspectives regarding the value of community engagement and civic education, her experiences and professional journey have shaped her commitment to creating a better “third sector,” and a better Wisconsin.

At UW–Madison, Collins works to advise students on the nonprofit sector, assisting within the creation of curriculum for that program, as well as directing all of the research, outreach, and educational mission within the community and nonprofit studies (CommsNS) department. Her work includes the creation of the capstone certificate program in community and nonprofit leadership, a board development course that places students with nonprofit boards of directors, and a host of other service learning and professional development courses to shape students into change agents as they enter a complex society. 

At the heart of Collins’ work is the belief that advocacy begins with community and university partnerships that develop over time to become mutually beneficial. By connecting students with boards of directors for nonprofit organizations, encouraging student immersion within diverse environments, and providing awareness of the possibilities within the third sector, she encourages future changemakers to shape the society they one day hope to live in. 

Looking forward, Collins hopes the good work continues, and that she can build further opportunities for students to explore the nonprofit sector while continuing to make community engagement a mutually beneficial process. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the community and nonprofit studies programs and service learning/professional development opportunities at UW–Madison, visit humanecology.wisc.edu.