150+
Student have participated in a Story Exchange
Narrative 4 @ St. Thomas
The »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ has been invited by Narrative 4 (N4) to take part in “N4U”, a national pilot project (February 2025 – August 2026) exploring how Narrative 4’s signature practice, the Story Exchange, impacts experiences of empathy and belonging on »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ campuses.
Narrative 4 has built a strong foundation in K–12 schools, and this initiative extends that success to universities. St. Thomas has joined Marquette, Baylor, Seton Hill, and the University of Maryland to give students leadership opportunities and personal tools for strengthening connection with others and building a greater sense of hope for their future, both individually and collectively.
Narrative 4 @ St. Thomas is more than a project—it’s a chance to create a culture where listening, empathy, and shared stories shape the heart of our »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ.
Leadership Team
Amy Muse
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ of English
Kristi Wenzel Egan
Associate »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ of Communication Studies
Manuela Hill-Muñoz
Director of Student Development Strategy and Co-Director of First-Year Experience
Erica Eastlund Cortes
Undergraduate Student Leader
Chloe Seaberg
Undergraduate Student Leader
Focus Areas
Narrative 4 @ St. Thomas has led story exchanges across campus with student groups in:
- The Dougherty Family College Summer Enrichment Program leaders and first-year scholars
- Residence Life Student Leader Education and Development
- The Luann Dummer Center for Women
- Student Diversity and Inclusion Services Multi-Cultural Student Leader Club training
And is incorporating story exchanges into classrooms in:
English, Communication Studies, Theater, Theology, Business Ethics, and the Aquinas Honors Program
How You Can Get Involved
A story is the shortest distance between two people. Narrative 4 at St. Thomas invites you to bridge that distance by listening, sharing, and building empathy through story exchanges.
and receive updates about future events, trainings, and opportunities to get involved.
Faculty
Bring story exchanges into your classrooms—from first-year classes to senior capstones—as a way to deepen learning, foster connection, and spark reflection.
Students
Join a story exchange, train as a facilitator, and weave storytelling into your clubs, courses, and leadership roles to strengthen the culture of belonging at St. Thomas.
Staff
Use story exchanges to enrich leadership programs, mentoring, and wellness initiatives, helping students build empathy and »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ in the work you already do.