Research
Leadership and Governance
We strive to continue Senator Baker’s legacy as a national and international leader who was known for his integrity, civility, and bipartisanship. The program seeks to provide a forum for exploring democracy and promoting leadership in public service.
Mission: To foster resilient and vibrant communities by providing current and future leaders with cutting-edge research and tools for effective governance.
Vision: Engaged and flourishing communities and visionary servant-leaders.
Program Director:
Dr. Katie Cahill
Phone: 865-974-8681
Email: kcahill3@utk.edu
Leadership and Governance Policy Experts
Leadership and Governance Grants and Contracts
The program’s research has been supported by private, state, and federal grants and contracts. These grants and contracts allow for faculty and fellows to engage in interdisciplinary projects that have theoretical, empirical, and practical import for scholars and policymakers.
If you are interested in a potential collaboration please contact Dr. Katie Cahill, Program Director.
Healthy Appalachia Study
Sponsor: Remote Area Medical (RAM) with the Trinity Health Foundation
PI: Katie Cahill
Award Period: 1/1/19 to 7/31/21
Appalachian Leadership Institute
Sponsor: US – ARC – Appalachian Regional Commission
PIs: Timothy Ezzell and Katie Cahill
Award Period: 10/16/18 – open
Tennessee Pulse Survey, Tennessee Economic Recovery Group
Sponsor: State of Tennessee
PIs: Matthew Murray, Katie Cahill, and Linda Daugherty
Award Period: 5/01/20 to 12/30/20
Vols Vote
Sponsor: Campus Election Engagement Project (CEEP)
PI: Katie Cahill
Award Period: 9/25/20 to 11/15/20
Speaker Series
Public Square Series
Baker Café
Leadership and Public Service Mentorship
Appalachian Leadership Institute
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a year-long comprehensive leadership and economic development training opportunity for mid-career professionals who live or work in Appalachia and are passionate about helping their communities thrive. Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows participate in an extensive training curriculum developed by the Appalachian Regional Commission in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact.
Tennessee Legislative Leaders Academy
The Tennessee Legislative Leaders Academy, conducted in partnership with the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) in the Institute for Public Service, is a three-day training program that helps newly elected representatives and senators in the Tennessee General Assembly to acclimate in their new positions more easily and to network with all members in a non-partisan manner. In 2013, the NCEL invited the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy to partner with them in executing the program. Since its inception, over 100 members of the Tennessee House and Senate have participated in the training and continue to be active as alumni members of this longstanding NCEL program.
Civic Education and Engagement
Leading Tennessee Forward Lecture Series
The Leading Tennessee Forward Lecture Series is a non-partisan event series intended to provide a forum for democracy in action, where current and former elected officials, as well as candidates for statewide office, can share their leadership stories and vision for the State of Tennessee. The series has hosted current Governor Bill Lee, System President Randy Boyd, former Governor Phil Bredesen and US Senator Marsha Blackburn.
Vols Vote Coalition
Led by the Baker Center, the Vols Vote Coalition is campus-wide working group of administrators, faculty, staff, and student organizations focused on non-partisan efforts to improve voter education, registration, and participation at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. To get involved in the Coalition, emails us at volsvote@utk.edu.
Constitution Day
Each year, on September 17th, a celebration is held to commemorate the signing of the US Constitution. Events have included lectures and panel discussions on topics such as the Bill of Rights, as well as Constitutional Jeopardy competitions.
