The University of Denver has launched the John and Sandy Miller National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism, a new national institution focused on advancing free expression, constructive engagement, and pluralism in higher education and broader society.
The Miller National Academy will be based at the University of Denver and is intended to connect students, scholars, business leaders, institutions, and community members around approaches for engaging constructively across differences.
Mary Kate Cary has been appointed Founding Executive Director of the academy.
Cary is a former White House speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush, founder of Think Again, and recipient of the 2024 Heterodox Academy Leadership Award. She will lead efforts to build partnerships, encourage discussion, and expand the academy’s national reach.
The academy will focus on research, collaboration, and practical programs designed to strengthen the exchange of ideas and help organizations put lessons about constructive dialogue into practice.
The initiative was established by University of Denver alumni John and Sandy Miller, who said their goal is to help preserve the university environment as a place where students encounter different perspectives, develop their own beliefs, and learn to engage thoughtfully with others.
The Miller National Academy will build on programs already underway at the University of Denver, including its 4D Experience, Debate Across the Curriculum, and Conflict Engagement & Resolution Initiative.
DU plans to use the university as a testing ground for student- and faculty-facing programs focused on civil dialogue and constructive problem solving, with successful approaches potentially shared with universities across the country.
The academy is expected to operate in a nonpartisan and institutionally neutral manner.
The University of Denver, founded in 1864, offers more than 200 academic programs and serves approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Miller National Academy marks a significant step in our commitment to fostering free expression and inquiry both at the University of Denver and across the nation.”
Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor Of The University Of Denver
“A pluralistic society begins with the freedom to think, question, speak, create, dissent and persuade. Simply put: Free expression makes pluralism possible.”
Mary Kate Cary, Founding Executive Director Of The Miller National Academy
“The University of Denver helped shape who I am and exposed me to opinions and perspectives different from my own.”
John Miller, University Of Denver Alumnus
“College is where students begin to shape their own beliefs, question what they’ve always known and discover new ways of thinking.”
Sandy Miller, University Of Denver Alumna
