Institute of American Civics (IAC) Executive Director Josh Dunn co-authored a new report Experiential Civic Learning for American Democracy. Drawing on a first-of-its-kind national landscape analysis of existing civic learning programs, the report provides a clear, actionable framework for effective experiential civic learning—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it well. At a […]
In a major initiative to strengthen civic education across the state, the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee will host the Tennessee Civics Academy, a two-day professional development workshop welcoming 125 high school teachers from 85 schools across 36 counties. Held in Knoxville on June 24 and 25, the program will immerse […]
Marking more than 30 years of insightful political analysis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Professor and Institute of American Civics Associate Director Andrew E. Busch and co-author John J. Pitney Jr. offer a definitive account of the 2024 election in their newly released book, The Comeback (Bloomsbury, 2025). “The election of 2024 was both highly unusual […]
Over the weekend, Ambassador A.B. Culvahouse delivered an inspiring address as the keynote speaker for Cumberland University’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony. He shared personal stories, reflections on public service, and a powerful message about leadership, civic responsibility, and national unity. His speech challenged graduates to embrace diverse perspectives and reinforced their readiness as they enter […]
Knoxville, TN (May 8, 2025) – Recently, 217 students from across Tennessee participated in the 2025 Tennessee History Day Competition. Fifty-nine students chose to focus their projects on American Constitutional Liberties to be considered for a special award presented by the Institute of American Civics (IAC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The annual competition […]
The Institute of American Civics (IAC) Executive Director Josh Dunn has been appointed to the National Commission on American History and Civic Education by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA). The appointment gives him the opportunity to contribute to a coordinated effort to strengthen the civic health of our nation. The commission will […]
In celebration of Constitution Day, the Institute of American Civics (IAC) at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted Keith Whittington, the David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Whittington’s teaching and scholarship span American constitutional theory, American political […]
Baker School freshman Rami Ammar discovered his passion for politics and policy through Youth in Government (YIG), starting in 7th grade and participating in the program through high school. “I initially got involved to better grasp policy’s impact on our lives,” Ammar said. Which is exactly what YIG aims to do, giving middle and high […]
Knoxville, Tennessee – The Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs will host Keith E. Whittington, the David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School, on September 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. This is the first of the Baker School’s fall […]
The Student Government Associations of the University of Tennessee (UT) and The University of Florida (UF) have challenged each other to a voter engagement competition in the weeks leading up to the November 5 federal election. UT and UF will compete over which school can get the most people to complete the voter registration and […]