Image
Loading...
Duke University student LaNaiah Frieson has been selected for an award recognizing outstanding leadership and service by North Carolina Campus Engagement, a statewide network of colleges and universities committed to preparing students for civic and social responsibility. Frieson is a recipient of the network’s Community Impact Student Award (CISA), which honors one student leader at each participating member school. The CISA recognizes students with a deep commitment to community involvement, an outstanding ability to inspire peers, and evidence of sustainable impact. NC Campus Engagement honored the recipients during the 2025 Citizenship, Service, Networking & Partnerships (CSNAP) Student Conference on November 8 at NC A&T State University.
Frieson has a passion for giving back. She has served as a Jumpstart Team Leader, Leap2School Tutor and Team Leader, and a volunteer for local community organizations. She has been an active student leader as the Co-Community Service and Outreach Chair for the Lambda Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Choir Director for the United in Praise Gospel Choir, and Trinity Ambassador for Duke's Program in Education. Frieson has further contributed through research projects focused on early childhood cognitive development and the impacts of socio-economic status on STEM engagement and inclusive STEM programming for K-12 students.
Frieson began her partnership with Duke Community Affairs as a Jumpstart AmeriCorps Member, accumulating over 300 hours of service through literacy education. Later, Frieson supported the office’s efforts in developing a new pre-K program, Leap2School, to continue needed services for community partners and the families served.
Image
Beyond her passion for literacy support, Frieson teaches other Duke students how to sign in ASL, participates in numerous voter registration drives and civic discourse conversations, and contributes to student groups working to uplift women.
Frieson’s nominator spoke highly of her approach to service, saying, “LaNaiah is selfless with her decisions. When she sees a need, she will do what she can to address it.”
North Carolina Campus Engagement (NCCE) is a collaborative network of colleges and universities committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility, partnering with communities for positive change, and strengthening democracy. The NC Campus Engagement state office fosters connections between campuses, shares best practice information and resources, recognizes outstanding work, and champions civic and community engagement in higher education. To learn more visit nccampusengagement.org.