Texas Lutheran University has been awarded the HEAP (Highly Established Action Plan) Seal of recognition. The seal is given through the All In Campus Democracy Challenge, a national awards program. It is reserved for colleges and universities which demonstrate the highest commitment to increasing student voting rates, helping them to form habits of active and informed citizenship and promoting civic engagement on a non-partisan basis.

Dr. Pamela Ray, Director of Service Learning and Career Development and the Center for Servant Leadership, says that TLU's commitment to encouraging students to vote plays a vital role in helping them become active and informed citizens. “By encouraging students to vote, TLU is instilling a sense of civic duty and responsibility in them, encouraging them to actively participate in the democratic process.” She goes on to say that building critical thinking skills, empowering students, and creating a culture of participation all foster informed citizenship.

She adds that earning the seal was a team effort. "Thank you to CSL Student Coordinators Sage Stevens and Isabella Scharr, Dr. William O'Bratcha, Political Science Dept., and Eboney Mitchell, Graduate Assistant, for their dedication and hard work on helping to draft an exemplary plan."

Through All In, Ray will be representing the university in a conversation with the Department of Education on April 11. “This conversation provides an excellent platform to advocate for important educational initiatives that can benefit TLU students and the broader community.” She says it will also provide networking opportunities that could foster collaborations, partnerships, and future endeavors that align with TLU's mission and values. “Being able to represent TLU in such a significant conversation is an honor and an opportunity to showcase the institution's commitment to education and student success.”