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The American Conversation Series

The American Conversation Series

Through public forums, each with multiple high-profile speakers representing all sides of the partisan and/or ideological aisle, the Stubblefield Institute hosts discussion relevant to everyone in our nation. The events—open to students and the public—include elected leaders, well-recognized political media personalities, and influential experts in the field of media.

students and other audience members listening at Frank Theater

Read about Past Events Below

In Spring 2024 the American Conversation Series continued with a conversation about “Overcoming Division: Strategies to Stand United”

Panelists –

EJ Dionne, Jr., journalist and syndicated columnist, The Washington Post, has written articles such as “Make America empathetic again” and “Smart policy on homelessness requires empathy, not contempt.”

Ed Goaes author of A Question of Respect: Bringing us together in a deeply divided nation, Republican pollster and political strategist. Previously president and CEO of the Tarrance Group.

Louis L. Reed, Chief narrative officer, Decoded: Story Lab.  Previously, Reed served as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships for Jay Z’s REFORM Alliance, and as Director of Membership and Organizing for Dream Corps Justice (formerly #cut50), co-founded by Van Jones and Jessica Jackson.

Moderator –

Sam Goldman, executive director of the John L. Loeb Jr. Institute for Religious Freedom and director of the Politics & Values Program at George Washington University.

EJ Dionne, Ed Goeas, Louis L. Reed, Sam Goldman

United We Stand: Connecting Through Culture

The 2023-24 American Conversation Series and this year’s Community Engagement Conversations, are presented by the Stubblefield Institute in partnership with the WV Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities initiative, United We Stand: Connecting Through Culture.

Thank you to our local sponsors

  • Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers
  • Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation

American Conversation Series Events during the 2024-25 Academic Year

“Beyond Pepperoni Rolls: Who are we as West Virginians?” – September 5th, 2024 @ 7 pM –  the Frank Arts Center Theater

Long time friends and colleagues, Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Senator Joe Manchin met on the stage of the Frank Arts Center Theater along with experienced MetroNews Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval to discuss West Virginia’s identity.

Senator Shelly Moore Capito, host Hoppy Kercheval, and Senator Joe Manchin sit on stage in front of a red curtain

Volunteer with the Stubblefield Institute!

Shepherd University students can help with Stubblefield Institute events in a variety of ways.  Some opportunities are behind the scenes, like graphic design or research assistance. Other options allow students to practice a variety of communication skills, from ushering at American Conversation Series events to public speaking on and off campus.
Shepherd Students at Box Office with Listen Learn Engage Banner       
Learn more about the Stubblefield Institute and its events at www.stubblefieldinstitute.org.