Rhodes College President Jennifer Collins has joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a new initiative which connects leaders from institutions of higher education across the country and advances higher education’s pivotal role in preparing students to be engaged citizens and to uphold free expression on campus.
“Rhodes College firmly believes that freedom of speech and thought, a robust exchange of ideas, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives are fundamental characteristics of a community of scholars,” said Collins. “In order to promote such an academic and social community, we expect integrity and honesty in our relationships with each other and an openness to learning about and experiencing a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and opinions. We recognize and expect that our views and convictions will be challenged, and we expect these challenges to take place in a climate of civility, compassion, courteousness, and mutual respect.”
The College Presidents for Civic Preparedness was convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars and began in August 2023 with 15 members. Since then, the group has grown to more than 90 members.
Through campus-specific and collective action, participating presidents are dedicated to preparing the next generation of well-informed, productively engaged, and committed citizens; defending free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry as essential civic norms; and increasing thoughtful engagement and better understanding by students for the effective functioning of our democracy.
College Presidents for Civic Preparedness has been supported by ECMC Foundation, Einhorn Collaborative, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, One8 Foundation, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Lumina Foundation, Charles Koch Foundation, and Teagle Foundation, with individual campuses providing support for their own related projects.