Over 100 students from various Tennessee colleges, including Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), are preparing for the Tennessee Campus Civic Summit. This free event will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Miller Education Center in Murfreesboro. The summit’s theme is ‘The Future of Democracy: Tennessee’s Students Prepare for 2024’ and targets those engaged in civic work on their campuses.
Kayla Jenkins-Jones, the program director for the Tennessee Campus Democracy Network, stated that the summit is a nonpartisan platform. It allows college students, faculty, and staff to develop strategies promoting civic literacy and participation. It also enables different state schools to connect, build relationships, and prepare student leaders for 2024.
Mary Evins, a research professor at the University Honors College and Department of History, stressed the summit’s role in reminding everyone of their civic duties. She also noted its support for Tennessee’s colleges, universities, and students. The summit builds on civic learning and democratic engagement work funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, which MTSU organized in 2015 and 2016.