‘The Store’ to assist students with basics for career readiness

^{Carson-Newman University Student Success co-directors Gloria Walker, at left, and Amy Humphrey sort through donations for the upcoming opening of “The Store,” a food and clothing pantry for students.}

(Feb. 27, 2019) JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Thirty-nine percent of college undergraduates fell at or below income eligibility limits for federal assistance in 2016 according to a recent USA Today story.

The story reports a national trend of students from low-income households enrolling at increasing rates.

As a result, some students are experiencing food insecurity or do not have access to professional clothing for job interviews.

It’s a reality that has hit close to home for those at Carson-Newman University. And it was enough that school employees wanted to do something about it.

The result is an upcoming launch of a C-N food and clothing pantry. An area on campus, dubbed “The Store,” will house the “Career Closet,” which is scheduled for an April 1 opening. There, students will be able to pick out business clothing needed for job interviews. The second portion of The Store will house the “Food Pantry,” slated to open in the fall.

Carson-Newman’s The Store joins 650 similar pantries established on campuses nationwide to help with students facing real dilemmas.

“We regularly meet with students who have barriers to their academic and personal success,” said Gloria Walker, co-director of C-N’s Student Success, the department that is managing the pantry. “The Store is being established to address the growing demands for professional attire and food insecurities. The philosophy of the Student Success Center is to meet the holistic needs of our students. The Store is one of the many avenues to support our mission.”

The community can help support The Store by providing donations of age-appropriate professional clothing in ready-to-wear condition and through monetary gifts. Regular donation drop-off begins Feb. 28 in Baker Memorial Building, Room 312. Hours for donations are from 1-3:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts university located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,500 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.