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Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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  • About Us
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Institute of American Civics

About Us

  • Institute of American Civics
  • Board of Fellows
  • Course Offering Plan
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Activities and Partnerships
  • Events

Institute of American Civics

The Institute of American Civics is a new opportunity to strengthen civic engagement and combat political polarization in our state and nation.

The Institute is a natural extension of the work the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy has done since its beginning, and the Institute is designed to build on the University of Tennessee’s capabilities in politics, economics, philosophy, American history and American government. The legislated mission of the Institute is to provide a comprehensive civic education for University undergraduates and the state at large, including America’s founding principles, the economic and political institutions that maintain American democracy and the basics of civic engagement.

About the Institute

Since its founding in 2003, the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy has served as the Knoxville campus’s hub for civic engagement and education.

In 2022, legislation creating the Institute of American Civics received strong bipartisan backing in the 112th Tennessee General Assembly.

Lawmakers from both parties spoke in favor of the Institute’s mission to strengthen civic education and participation while reviving thoughtfulness, civility and respect for opposing viewpoints in national discourse. Senator Baker’s legacy of conciliation and respect for opposing viewpoints, along with his deep patriotism and commitment to public service, provide an ideal foundation for the Institute’s activities.

For additional information on the founding and the role of the Institute, click here.

Consulting Services Engaged

Prior to naming the Board of Fellows, we engaged a number of scholars at other institutions in paid consulting arrangements to provide feedback on the Institute’s potential role on campus and in society at large, including Paul Carrese (ASU), Steve Smith (Yale), Dan Cullen (Rhodes), Jonathan Haidt (NYU), and Ed Ayers (U Richmond).

Engagement

Visiting the Baker Center

Facilities & Reservations

Appalachian Leadership Institute

Institute of American Civics

Modern Political Archives

Baker Briefing Newsletter

News and Events

Podcast

Faculty

Faculty and Staff

Find an Expert

Faculty Fellows

Publications

Grants and Contracts

Research

Students

About Our Student Programs

Living Learning Community

Baker Ambassadors

Baker Scholars

Washington Fellows

Japan Ambassadors Program

Minor in Public Policy Analytics

Diplomacy Lab

Vols Vote

Tennessee Campus Civics Summit

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1640 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3340
Phone: 865-974-0931
Email: bakercenter@utk.edu

Visiting the Baker Center

Facilities & Reservations

Appalachian Leadership Institute

Institute of American Civics

Modern Political Archives

Baker Briefing Newsletter

News and Events

Podcast

Faculty

Faculty and Staff

Find an Expert

Faculty Fellows

Publications

Grants and Contracts

Research

Modern Political Archive

Students

About Our Student Programs

Living Learning Community

Baker Ambassadors

Baker Scholars

Washington Fellows

Japan Ambassadors Program

Minor in Public Policy Analytics

Diplomacy Lab

Vols Vote

Tennessee Campus Civics Summit

University of Tennessee logo

“I increasingly believe that the essence of leadership...is to be an eloquent listener.”
—Howard H. Baker Jr.





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