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Public universities have a responsibility to prepare the next generation of civic leaders for the task of securing what the U.S. Constitution refers to as the “blessings of liberty.” Building on a strong tradition of civic education at The University of Texas at Austin, the School of Civic Leadership addresses this perennial need in a new way by bringing scholars and students together for the careful study of America’s founding principles and constitutional history.
Civic education is a central aspect of liberal education. From the Latin root liber, meaning free, a liberal education is an education in and for freedom. Such a Socratic, liberating education is indispensable for future civic leaders, who are the custodians of the American polity. It rests on open inquiry, reasoned debate, civil discussion, and freedom of thought and speech. The School of Civic Leadership carries this vision forward by offering a civic education makes one free to form and exercise reasoned judgment and engage with others to improve our world – whether in business, government, the professions, or civil society.
The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a motion to establish the School of Civic Leadership at The University of Texas at Austin.
Provost Sharon Wood announced the launch of a national search for School of Civic Leadership’s inaugural dean.
Provost Sharon Wood appointed Justin Dyer to be dean ad interim of the School of Civic Leadership while the University conducts a national search for the inaugural dean.
Under its established faculty governance policy, the School of Civic Leadership launched faculty recruitment efforts and began developing a proposal for a new BA in Civics.
In collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Civic Leadership will launch a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) minor. The School of Civic Leadership will also offer general education courses and electives for UT Austin students during the 2024-25 academic year.
When UT Austin’s online application opens on August 1, 2024, students will be able to apply for admission to the School of Civic Leadership beginning in the fall 2025 semester.
Pending approval of its curriculum proposal, the School of Civic Leadership will launch a BA in Civics for students in its founding cohort.