UWF creates Academy of American Civic Republicanism

The University of West Florida Board of Trustees has approved the creation of the Academy of American Civic Republicanism, a new initiative aimed at enhancing civic knowledge and engagement through education on American history, government and principles foundational to the American republic. Funded by a $1,555,318 three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the center's programs will coincide with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.

"The Academy of American Civic Republicanism isn't just academic," said Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. "It's the practical pathway to informed debate, civic virtue and the kind of freedom that strengthens families and communities."

The Academy will operate as an independent academic center dedicated to exploring civic republicanism - a tradition with deep historical roots and which emphasizes active citizenship, civic virtue and the common good. Originating in ancient Greece and Rome, civic republicanism focuses on self-governance through participatory citizenship and mixed political institutions that balance power to prevent corruption and domination, as articulated by thinkers like Aristotle, Cicero, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

"As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, it is important that this Academy function as a bulwark against collective civic amnesia, training teachers and students in the principles of self-government that both proceed from and sustain the liberty that has defined the United States of America for a quarter of a millenium," said Dr. Clifford Humphrey, chief of staff and vice president of strategic initiatives, who represented the proposal. "Generations of Americans have solemnly declared their loyalty to the republic for which our flag stands. This Academy aims to educate participants about precisely what that enduring commitment means."

Through year-round programming, the Academy will serve UWF students, K-12 educators and the Northwest Florida community with activities such as summer institutes, webinars, conferences, public events, guest lectures and debates. The Academy's educational approach will emphasize direct engagement with primary sources from the Colonial era, the American Founding and the Early Republic period, allowing participants to explore original documents and ideas in their historical context.

For more information about the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu.