Chancellor Joins University Leaders Committed to Civic Preparedness

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chancellor Donde Plowman is among 24 of the newest university leaders across the country joining College Presidents for Civic Preparedness to advance higher education's role in preparing students to be engaged citizens and to uphold American democracy on campus.

"Universities have always been a place to engage with bold ideas and embrace hard questions. Now more than ever, it's critical that we uphold these values and help our students and our community understand the importance of civic engagement and respectful debate," said Plowman.

Through the nonprofit Institute for Citizens and Scholars, which oversees the program, participating university leaders are dedicated to preparing the next generation of well-informed, productively engaged, and committed citizens in upholding free expression, civil discourse and critical inquiry as essential civic norms. The leaders pledge to take campus-specific and collective actions that reflect educating for democracy; preparing for a vibrant, diverse and contentious society; and protecting and defending free inquiry.

First announced in 2023 with 15 members, the group has grown to 92 university leaders, committed to taking substantive action to promote democratic engagement among students, with public accountability for progress through publication of an annual impact report.

UT's Commitment to Civics

Participating university leaders are developing campus-specific programming to advance the Civic Commitments in 2024, including new courses, outside speakers, student orientations, presidential speeches, technology tools, and voter education initiatives.

"Chancellor Plowman's leadership has been essential for making the University of Tennessee a national model for civic engagement and her support for the Institute of American Civics has been crucial in our work developing respect for opposing viewpoints and finding common ground," said Josh Dunn, executive director of the Institute of American Civics in UT's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. "Creating a culture of civil discourse requires leaders like her who set an example and embed those values throughout the university."

UT is already hosting programs to promote student democratic engagement and education, including the following:

• The Civic Leadership Lecture Series brings experts from across the country to UT to examine issues and ideas foundational to American society.
• Local government, Tennessee legislative, and congressional internship programs provide students with a chance to explore careers in public service or public policy and the opportunity to gain experience in a government agency or organization.
• Certificate programs are available in American civics, constitutional studies, and public policy challenges.
• The Tocqueville Scholars prepares students to become civic leaders in government, law, business and public affairs through an in-depth curriculum.

College Leaders Across Campuses Working Together

In addition to championing these commitments, the leaders will undertake together and through the Institute, a set of collective actions: meet regularly for peer learning and the exchange of information, ideas, practices, and tools; help faculty engage effectively with free expression and civil discourse in the classroom by participating in the Faculty Institute on Dialogue Across Difference; and create and seize opportunities for shared advocacy and public outreach on civic preparedness in higher education.

Grounded in the belief that this is a critical moment for American democracy and higher education, College Presidents for Civic Preparedness aims to provide college presidents with the tools to ensure that students can engage in civil discussions, express themselves responsibly and actively participate in their communities.

About UT's Institute of American Civics

The Institute of American Civics is housed in the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. The 112th Tennessee General Assembly created the IAC to strengthen civic education and participation while reviving thoughtfulness, civility and respect for opposing viewpoints in national discourse. The IAC is committed to improving civic knowledge and civil discourse through courses, student programs, public events and K-12 outreach.

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Cindi King (865-974-0937, [email protected])

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