Curtis Creagh, LU Vice President, Administration and Finance; Dr. Carolyn R. Mahoney, LU President; Steve Marble, Scholastic Vice President, Customer Service; and Ron Williams, LU Vice President, Employee Services. Photo Courtesy of Seth Garcia.

Sept. 4, 2009:  This fall, Scholastic Inc., the global children’s publishing, education and media company, will open a studentstaffed, seasonal call center at Lincoln University. The temporary center, which will handle orders for Scholastic Book Clubs during this peak demand period, will be Scholastic’s first call center located on a college campus, and will continue to build on the company’s longstanding commitment to Jefferson City.

 “This venture will further our investment in the Jefferson City community through a creative working environment that supports education and the development of professional skills,” said Steve Marble, Vice President of Customer Service, Scholastic, who has worked with Ron Williams, Vice President of Scholastic Employee Services in Jefferson City, in developing the project. 

This partnership with Lincoln will provide job opportunities to a dozen students during a challenging job market. To ensure that students receive quality training, mentoring and professional development skills, Scholastic has assigned one seasonal supervisor to work with the Lincoln University student employees. With its close proximity to classrooms and residence halls, the center will allow students to travel safely and easily to and from the site, and it will offer flexible hours to accommodate students’ schedules. 

“I am pleased to partner with Scholastic to provide this unique employment opportunity to our students,” said Dr. Carolyn R. Mahoney, President of Lincoln University. “In today’s economy, many students must work while pursuing their education. Establishing this call center on campus will give students more flexibility and convenience in balancing their academic and work schedules.” 

Over the years, Scholastic has developed a rich tradition in Jefferson City of supporting literacy initiatives and education focused events in the community. Scholastic has also sponsored numerous student awards programs and worked with Lincoln University to establish the Children’s Center within the university’s Page Library. 

“I have visited the Lincoln University campus many times and have a great respect for the talent and professionalism of the university staff and student body,” said Mr. Marble. “Scholastic is truly proud to be a part of the Lincoln University campus.”