JMU launches national network to strengthen civic discourse on college campuses

At a time when productive conversations across differences can feel increasingly difficult, James Madison University is helping colleges and universities nationwide equip students with the skills needed to engage thoughtfully in civic life.

Through the Madison Center for Civic Engagement, JMU has partnered with the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) to launch the Centers for Civic Life program and its inaugural national cohort of Faculty Fellows. The initiative, made possible by a $2.72 million grant, brings together educators from across the country who share a commitment to strengthening deliberative civic discourse and fostering meaningful engagement on their campuses and in their communities.

The first cohort includes faculty representatives from 12 institutions representing every region of the country: Auburn University, Cerritos College, Colorado State University, Hofstra University, Hudson Valley Community College, Pacific Lutheran University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Delaware, University of Northern Iowa, University of Southern California, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Winona State University.

Selected through a highly competitive national process, the Faculty Fellows represent a wide range of academic disciplines and career stages, from communication studies and political science to education and the social sciences. Their selection required not only a compelling vision for civic discourse on their campuses, but also demonstrated institutional commitment, including support letters from senior leaders such as presidents and provosts.

“Building the skills necessary for productive civic discourse doesn't happen by accident,” said Dr. Kara Dillard, executive director of JMU’s Center for Civic Engagement. “It requires intentional practice, strong facilitation and a commitment to creating spaces where people can engage with complex issues in thoughtful and constructive ways. Through this program, we are creating a national model that gives faculty the skills and resources needed to teach and facilitate civil discourse on their campuses.” 

The Centers for Civic Life program has long served as one of NIFI's flagship initiatives, helping colleges and universities develop the capacity for deliberative decision-making and civic engagement. Through the partnership with JMU, the program is entering a new chapter that expands its reach while drawing on the university's nationally recognized leadership in civic dialogue.

Over the next 12 months, Faculty Fellows will be led by Dillard and Dr. Rebeca Barge, the Madison Center’s associate director for civic discourse initiatives, on intensive professional development focused on deliberative pedagogy, facilitation techniques and strategies for helping students navigate difficult conversations. They will learn how to foster dialogue across differences and train students to become facilitators themselves.

A major component of the program involves creating a series of nonpartisan deliberative issue guides designed for use on college campuses. These resources will help students and community members work through some of society's most pressing and complex challenges, encouraging participants to consider multiple perspectives and weigh tradeoffs together rather than debate from entrenched positions.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition that colleges and universities have an important role to play in preparing students not only for careers but also for democratic participation.

“When NIFI began seeking a new organizational partner to advance the Centers for Civic Life program, JMU stood out as a natural fit,” said Cristin Brawner, executive director of NIFI. “The university's long-standing commitment to civic engagement, combined with its emphasis on evidence-based assessment and practical skill development, aligned closely with the program's mission.”

Through the Madison Center for Civic Engagement, JMU has built a model that supports students, faculty and community members in developing the habits and skills necessary for productive civic participation. By leading the national Faculty Fellows program, the university now has an opportunity to share that model with institutions across the country.

The impact is expected to extend far beyond the inaugural cohort.

As the network grows, so too will opportunities for collaboration among faculty, students and communities working to address difficult issues through dialogue rather than division.

For JMU, the initiative represents both a continuation of its commitment to civic engagement and an opportunity to influence the national conversation about how higher education can strengthen democratic life.

By preparing faculty leaders, empowering students and creating resources that encourage thoughtful discussion, JMU continues to cultivate a culture where listening, deliberation and collaboration become essential tools for addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The initial group of Fellows consists of:

• Hollie Cost, Auburn University (Alabama)
• Kimberly Rosenfeld, Cerritos College (California)
• Martin Carcasson, Colorado State University
• Philip Dalton, Hofstra University (New York)
• Peter Sawyer, Hudson Valley Community College (New York)
• Justin Eckstein, Pacific Lutheran University (Washington)
• Lindsey Cormack, Stevens Institute of Technology (New Jersey)
• Timothy Shaffer, University of Delaware
• Cara Burnidge, University of Northern Iowa
• Jennifer Crawford, University of Southern California
• Brandon Kliewer, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Liberty Kohn, Winona State University (Minnesota)