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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 that liberates from prejudice and parochialism, making one free to form and exercise reasoned judgement 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 adopted a resolution in May establishing 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 degree program.
In collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts, the Civitas Institute 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.
Pending approval of its proposal to offer a minor, the School of Civic Leadership will launch an 18-credit hour minor that will provide the foundational curriculum for the School.
Pending approval of its proposal to offer a BA degree, the School of Civic Leadership will admit its inaugural class of freshman students pursuing a major course of study within the School.