The Bonnie & Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications
The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications officially opened its doors on July 1, 2019, with offices in the beautiful Frank Center on the campus of Shepherd University. Made possible by a generous gift by Drs. Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield, the mission of the Stubblefield Institute is to offer students and the public an advanced platform for the study of political discourse by addressing the role communications plays in our divided national culture and contribute to a more positive dialogue and exchange of political differences.
Upon the opening of the Institute, Shepherd University President Mary Hendrix said, “How we as citizens persuade, advocate and converse with one another across competing opinions is of utmost importance to the future health of our democracy. As citizens and voters, we need to address our divisions and learn how to talk to each other again in a civil manner.”
At all times, the Stubblefield Institute seeks to promote greater public awareness of how authentic, factual civil discourse across partisan divides lead to healthier, more productive debate and understanding. In the classroom, the Institute also seeks to train the next generation of political, media and public policy communications professionals who will one day be on the front lines of message development and delivery. For the first time, Shepherd will offer undergraduates a degree in political science with a communications concentration. This effort will be led by Shepherd University’s world class faculty from both the political science and communications departments.
Shepherd’s location is ideal for an Institute focused on political discourse. Located only 75 miles from Washington, D.C., the Institute is well positioned to attract top tier speakers and guest lecturers. The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield for Civil Political Communications is strictly nonpartisan and will not take public positions on policy, issues or candidates. It is governed by a bi-partisan Board of Advisers and the Shepherd Entrepreneurship and Research Corporation (SERC).
Mr. David Welch serves as Institute Director. (dwelch@shepherd.edu)
L to R: Bill Stubblefield, Bonnie Stubblefield
Ben Martz (Director, SERC), Bonnie Stubblefield, Mary J.C. Hendrix (President, Shepherd University), Bill Stubblefield
Located in the Frank Center, Suite 117
Direct Line: 304-876-5005
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