Defining and Co-Creating Value: The Value Proposition of the Center for Religion and Culture at Flagler College

Abstract

The Center for Religion and Culture (CRC) serves as a mission-driven hub at Flagler College, fostering dialogue and community engagement at the intersection of religion and contemporary issues. This project addresses the CRC’s lack of a clearly articulated value proposition to develop an evidence-based framework that demonstrates its direct benefit to the college and ensures long-term sustainability. The investigation utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating empathy interviews, a two-day site visit, institutional document analysis, and a stakeholder survey adapted from the NPO Business Value Co-Creation Scale. The study found that while stakeholders value the CRC’s reputational and external community contributions, there are significant gaps regarding reciprocal internal collaboration, a lack of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measuring impact on students and institutional mission, and a reliance on individualized, relationally dependent communication rather than systemic processes.