Student Service & Programs

A significant component of the Lincoln Memorial University experience is SERVICE. Our University Mission Statement is clear about the importance of SERVICE to the development of the whole person and states specifically our belief that “a major cornerstone of a meaningful existence is service to humanity; service to the community where one lives; and service in a global and diverse society with an emphasis on the underserved.

All students receiving any type of institutional financial assistance are expected to participate in the Student Service Initiative. More than just a requirement, however, this program is a way for students to broaden their horizons and become involved in community and service learning projects. The University encourages and helps facilitate paths for students to provide service opportunities on an individual basis. Student organizations also provide service to the community on a larger, group level. And when possible, Lincoln Memorial University partners with outside service groups such as Remote Area Medical, Mission of Hope, Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society and United Way.

Read more about this exciting opportunity below. For questions and additional information, contact Elise Syoen, Associate Dean of Students, 423.869.6433 or email at: elise.syoen@LMUnet.edu.

What is the Student Service Initiative?

The Student Service Initiative is an opportunity for students receiving Institutional Financial Aid from Lincoln Memorial University to broaden their horizons and become involved in service learning projects and community service.

Who Participates in the Program?

Participants in the SSI program are all undergraduate students receiving any form of financial aid from LMU (for example, sport scholarships, Lincoln Grants, and academic awards).  Students receiving state or federal grants or loans or other aid from non-LMU sources are exempt from the Student Services Initiative but are encouraged to participate.

How Does the Program Work?

As part of the requirement to receive institutional aid, students are required to participate in a 10-hour service learning component per semester in a project directly related to the academic field of study. The Student Service Initiative will include only those projects and initiatives that do not include internships and payable service.

Community Service Log

What are the Program's Advantages?

• Satisfaction of giving something back while enrolled at LMU
• Hands-on experience in a field unrelated or directly related to the students course of study
• Increased marketability and enhancement of future job opportunities
• Prelude to a lifelong learning experience
• Increased opportunity to meet people and engage in activities outside the customary, day-to-day world
• Opportunity to participate and help people on a volunteer basis

What is Available in the Community

Non-Profits/Charities (Knoxville / East Tennessee / SE Kentucky LMU service area)

Girl Scouts of America YMCA of East Tennessee National Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee United Way of Greater Knoxville Extensive listing of Knoxville area civic organizations About Knoxville, extensive listing
Highlander Research and Education Center      

Non-Profits / Charities (Kentucky)
Operation Unite, Kentucky 1.866.678.6483
Eastern Kentucky Child Care Coalition 606.337.6044
Cumberland River Comprehensive Care
Independence House 606.529.9386
Cumberland River Comprehensive Care
Cabinet for Families and Children
Department for Protection and Permanency606.337.6171
Department for Community Based Services606.337.7055
Kentucky Regional Poison Center800.222.1222
Kentucky Office for the Blind800.321.6668

Non-Profits/Charities (Cumberland Gap Larger Region)

Environmental Responsibility
I Love Mountains
Sierra Club
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards
Earthjustice
Appalachian  Voices