Harvard Scholar to Speak at Public Engagement Project 10th Anniversary Event

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The Public Engagement Project (PEP) is marking its 10th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 11 with a special program reflecting on its past and visions for its future. The celebration takes place from 4-6 p.m. in the Amherst Room of the Campus Center.

Over the past decade, PEP has worked to expand the engagement of scholars within many spheres outside the academy. Through campus-wide programming, faculty fellowships and networking opportunities, PEP has helped faculty develop skills and capacities they need to inform public policy, enrich public debate and contribute to the public good.

The keynote speaker will be Theda Skocpol, the Victor S. Thomas Professor of Government and Sociology at Harvard University, who will discuss “Understanding U.S. Politics Today—and the Implications for Higher Education.”

Over the last two decades, Skocpol’s research has focused primarily on health care reform, public policy and civic engagement amidst the shifting inequalities in American democracy. Among the many books she has authored or co-authored are “Diminished Democracy: From Membership to Management in American Civic Life,” “Health Care Reform and American Politics” and “The Tea Party and the Remaking of Republican Conservatism.” In addition to her teaching and research, Skocpol serves as the director of the Scholars Strategy Network, an organization with dozens of regional chapters that encourages nonpartisan public engagement by university-based scholars, building ties between academics and policymakers, civic groups and journalists.

Opening remarks will be given by Deputy Chancellor Steve Goodwin and John Hird, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, which is co-sponsoring the event.

Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP, go to https://umassamherst.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6LK3J5WT1pSwNgh