Theresa Cruz Paul is interim executive director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at Western Carolina University which works to strengthen the relationship between the WCU campus and its wider community. The Center is a hub for university and community, providing resources and capacity-building as a catalyst for social responsibility and positive impact, with a focus on community-engaged learning, civic engagement, and community outreach. Having worked in career and professional development in higher education for nearly 20 years, Dr. Cruz Paul also directs the University's Center for Career and Professional Development. The CCPD offers services and builds partnerships to prepare students to meet workforce needs of WCU's region and state and to become leaders in their field. Dr. Cruz Paul earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University. She also holds two Master of Education degrees, one in High and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College at Columbia University and one in Professional Counseling from William Paterson University, where she also completed her B.A.