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Academic Council's National Summit for Educators


College professors from across the Unites States attended the Jack Miller Center's Academic Council's national summit for educators in Austin, Texas, May 8 to10.

The summit, conducted in partnership with University of Texas' Program in Western Civilization and American Institutions, brought together college professors from across the United States to strategize on ways to strengthen undergraduate-level teaching of precepts that shaped America as a republic and democracy.

'The summit was very successful by all measures,' said Dr. James Ceaser, chairman of the Miller Center's national Academic Council. 'Participants learned, in detail, what they can do to enhance learning on their respective campuses about the ideas, institutions, and history that have shaped the United States since its founding.'

Miller Center executives, Academic Council members, and others made presentations and led panel discussions. These addressed questions such as how to launch academic initiatives and programs focused on American history, government, political thought and economics, fundraising, and opportunities to work together. Discussion by educators who have succeeded in establishing important programs, such as Dr. Thomas Lindsay, deputy chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Dr. Michael Poliakoff, vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Colorado, Dr. Donald Critchlow, co-founder and editor of the Journal of Policy History, and Dr. Mary Nichols, chair of the Department of Political Science at Baylor University, addressed many of the concerns of others who want to advance education in American history and institutions.

'It is wonderful to see how things are really taking off across the country as a result of the Jack Miller Center's efforts and support,' commented Dr. Colleen Sheehan, associate professor of Political Science at Villanova University.

'It was interesting to see how the conversation has changed over the past three or so years. We are all of course still dedicated to revitalizing liberal education and the study of America's Founding principles'that hasn't changed' but we are talking about what to do in a much more specific and practical way, and we are also less focused on what is wrong at our schools and with our colleagues and more focused on what we CAN do. We're becoming the Nike of academia ("Victory!").'I like this turn of events because I think we can do more good things by staying as positive as possible and working on doing what needs to be done rather than lamenting the way things are or have been done in the past.

'I also observed the way in which people are buoyed by others' successes.'There is a renewed spirit, and spiritedness, that is spreading across the land, and we have Jack Miller and you (Miller Center team) to thank for it.'

Dr. Lydia Ortega of San Jose State University and Dr. Bradley Watson of Saint Vincent College (PA.) at the reception held for attendees.


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