UT Southern Partners with UTK Baker School to Host “Civility in Action: Tools for Tough Moments”
PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern will host “Civility in Action: Tools for Tough Moments” on Monday, Oct. 5, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community members for an interactive conversation about navigating disagreement, polarization and difficult conversations.
The event is a collaboration among the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the UT Southern College of Arts & Sciences and the UT Southern Turner Center for Rural Leadership. The program is also supported by the Dr. Charles D. and Tammy B. Haney Faculty Development Fund.
Through discussion and interactive exercises, participants will explore five central themes: the historical presence of incivility; how today’s environment differs from earlier periods; the causes of polarization and communication breakdown; strategies for communicating across disagreement; and ways to practice civility within communities and workplaces.
Two versions of the workshop will be offered on Monday, Oct. 5, in the Martin Hall Auditorium. Student sessions will be held at 8:00–8:50 a.m. and 9:00–9:50 a.m. A workshop designed for UT Southern faculty, staff and community members will be held from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The workshops will be led by William (Bill) Lyons and Andrew (Andy) Busch of the Baker School.
Bill Lyons serves as associate director for community outreach for the Institute of American Civics and director of policy partnerships at the Baker School. He is also professor emeritus of political science at UT Knoxville. Lyons retired from the university in 2011, following more than 35 years of teaching, administrative leadership and research.
Andy Busch is the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics in the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His teaching and research focus on American political institutions, elections, and public policy. He has authored, co-authored or edited more than two dozen books.
“Universities should be places where people learn not only how to develop and defend ideas, but also how to listen, disagree thoughtfully and remain in relationship with people who see the world differently,” said Prentice Chandler, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and student experience. “This collaboration amongst universities allows us to bring practical tools for civil discourse to our students and employees while modeling the kind of partnership and engagement we want to strengthen across our campus and communities.”
The event reflects UT Southern’s commitment to creating opportunities for thoughtful dialogue, civic engagement and stronger communities through education and partnership.
About the University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, UT Southern offers personalized learning, hands-on experiences and a close-knit campus community while serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing students for success.