Paul Markham, Ph.D., is the new director of Community-Based Learning and Research (CBLR) at the University of Washington Bothell. Markham will oversee efforts to incorporate community learning and engagement activities as part of the UW Bothell student experience.

“As a national leader in the field of community engagement, Paul comes to us with in-depth, transdisciplinary training in both his academic and in his community engagement leadership experience,” says Gray Kochar-Lindgren, Associate Vice Chancellor of Undergraduate Learning.

Markham joins UW Bothell from Western Kentucky University, where he was the director of the ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships. He is a recipient of the 2012 President’s Service Award at Western Kentucky University and has spoken at the White House on three separate occasions about civic engagement initiatives.

At Western Kentucky, Markham was also the founding co-director of the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility and a fellow on the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. He also has a great deal of teaching experience, most recently in interdisciplinary studies and university honors courses.

Markham holds a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from Durham University (UK), a master’s degree in theological studies and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology. He says he looks forward to helping students grow and expand their horizons at UW Bothell, but also wants to ensure they are prepared for the job market upon graduation. “High academic quality is very important. This means rigorous academic coursework in the classroom and practical skills gained from community-based work with regional nonprofits and businesses.”