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National Endowment for the Humanities Awards Benson Center $3 Million Endowment Grant

Alexander Jack Shively — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:46:49 +0000

National Endowment for the Humanities Awards Benson Center $3 Million Endowment Grant Alexander Jack… Wed, 07/22/2026 - 08:46

The Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization at the �ֲ��ý has received a $3 million Endowments for Advancing the Humanities Award from the National Endowment for the Humanities—one of only five awards made nationally from a pool of 81 applications. Matched by $3 million in private philanthropic commitments, the award will establish an endowment to support an innovative academic program at CU �ֲ��ý integrating the study of the Western tradition with American history, government, and civics. This endowment will advance CU �ֲ��ý's educational mission by creating a permanent source of funding that expands undergraduate curricular and co-curricular opportunities, strengthens faculty recruitment and retention, deepens K-12 partnerships, and bolsters public engagement.

The Benson Center aims to connect interested students and interested faculty with the deep importance of the Western tradition for understanding our link to the past and the world today. Support from the National Endowment for the Humanities will be transformative for this goal and the Center.
— Taylor Jaworski, Interim Director of the Benson Center

Endowment income will support humanities faculty who will broaden the Benson Center's course offerings and help develop a multidisciplinary curriculum focused on the Western tradition and American history, government, and civics. This curriculum will introduce CU �ֲ��ý students to texts, events, people, and ideas that have profoundly shaped America and the Western world—from the classical and biblical traditions through the American Founding to the modern age. It will deepen students' understanding of both the past and present and equip them with the historical literacy, analytical skills, and civic understanding necessary for thoughtful citizenship.

I am excited to collaborate with faculty and staff across CU �ֲ��ý to develop an innovative academic program focused on the Western tradition and American civics. This program will build on CU �ֲ��ý's existing academic strengths and foster a vibrant and multidisciplinary intellectual community dedicated to the study of the Western tradition and its ongoing influence on our world today. I believe the program will deepen countless students' understanding of texts, events, people, and ideas that have profoundly shaped the modern world.
— Joseph Porter, Principal Investigator

This transformative award marks a significant milestone in the Benson Center's mission to expand humanistic study of the Western tradition at CU �ֲ��ý. The Benson Center is deeply grateful to the National Endowment for the Humanities for its support, as well as to the many alumni, donors, and friends whose longstanding dedication, stewardship, and generosity have made this award possible. The Benson Center looks forward to developing a distinctive academic program at CU �ֲ��ý that will inspire humanistic and civic education for decades to come.

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Colorado Civics Symposium

Alexander Jack Shively — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:02:32 +0000

Colorado Civics Symposium Alexander Jack… Mon, 07/13/2026 - 08:02

This August, the Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization is co-hosting the first annual Colorado Civics Symposium — a four-day undergraduate symposium on citizenship, from ancient Athens to modern Colorado. The event will bring together undergraduate students from universities across Colorado and the country for lectures, discussions, and conversations with Colorado public officials.

The symposium will be held August 3–6, 2026, at the University of Colorado System Offices in downtown Denver. It is co-hosted with the Center for the Study of Government and the Individual at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

What Students Will Study

Over four days, students will engage with faculty from CU �ֲ��ý, UCCS, and partner institutions on topics including the purpose of politics and the virtues of citizenship, the American Founding and the Colorado Constitution, Colorado politics today, and the economic way of thinking and economic growth. The program will also feature remarks by CU President Todd Saliman and discussions with Colorado public officials and policymakers.

�ֲ��ý the Colorado Civics Symposium

The Colorado Civics Symposium grows out of the Benson Center's commitment to civic education and the study of Western political traditions. By bringing together undergraduates from across the state and country, the symposium creates a space for serious engagement with the ideas and institutions that shape democratic life — from Aristotle's Politics to the Colorado Constitution.

This August, the Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization is co-hosting the first annual Colorado Civics Symposium

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Benson Center Faculty Fellow Appears on In The NoCo NPR

Alexander Jack Shively — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:35:24 +0000

Benson Center Faculty Fellow Appears on In The NoCo NPR Alexander Jack… Thu, 04/30/2026 - 13:35

Benson Center Faculty Fellow Michelangelo Landgrave was recently featured on KUNC's In The NoCo podcast to discuss his new study on how political content on TikTok affects young voters.

Michelangelo Landgrave is an Assistant Professor of Political Science. His research is at the intersection of legislative studies, state & local politics, and immigration politics. He is currently focused on better understanding public attitudes towards immigration policy using experimental research methods.

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Benson Center Announces Visiting Scholars in Conservative Thought and Policy for 2026-27

Alexander Jack Shively — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:21:01 +0000

Benson Center Announces Visiting Scholars in Conservative Thought and Policy for 2026-27 Alexander Jack… Mon, 03/23/2026 - 13:21

The Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization at the �ֲ��ý is pleased to announce its Visiting Scholars in Conservative Thought and Policy for the 2026-27 academic year. Jeremy Bailey has been appointed to a two-year term, and Joseph Bottum has been reappointed for a second year.

Jeremy Bailey joins the Benson Center from the University of Florida, where he is a professor at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. He is a political scientist focused on American political thought, the American presidency, and constitutional development. His work on the legacy of the founding generation is fitting for the moment, as CU �ֲ��ý and the country mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

His forthcoming book, The Other Declarations: Thomas Jefferson and the Language of American Democracy (University Press of Kansas, 2026), examines Jefferson's broader contributions to democratic language beyond the Declaration of Independence. He is also the author of The Idea of Presidential Representation: An Intellectual and Political History (University Press of Kansas, 2019), James Madison and Constitutional Imperfection (Cambridge University Press, 2015), Thomas Jefferson and Executive Power (Cambridge University Press, 2010), and The Contested Removal Power, 1789-2010, coauthored with David Alvis and Flagg Taylor (University Press of Kansas, 2013). His work has appeared in the American Political Science Review, Review of Politics, History of Political Thought, Presidential Studies Quarterly, American Political Thought, and Political Research Quarterly.

From 2021 to 2025, Bailey held the Sanders Chair in Law and Liberty at the University of Oklahoma, where he directed the Institute for the American Constitutional Heritage. He previously served on the faculties of the University of Houston, Duquesne University, Eastern Washington University, and Washington and Lee University. He received his BA from Rhodes College and his PhD in political science from Boston College.

At CU �ֲ��ý, Bailey will teach courses on the American Founding and American political thought.

Joseph Bottum returns to the Benson Center for a second year as Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy. A poet, essayist, and literary critic, Bottum brings a distinctive perspective that spans philosophy, literature, and cultural commentary.

His latest book, This Far Country: South Dakota Lines on the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, is forthcoming from the South Dakota Historical Society Press. He also co-founded the poetry newsletter Poems Ancient and Modern on Substack. His recent publications include Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh: A Christmas Chrestomathy (St. Augustine's Press, 2024) and Spending the Winter (St. Augustine's Press, 2022). Earlier works include The Decline of the Novel (St. Augustine's Press, 2019), An Anxious Age: The Post-Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of America (Image/Doubleday, 2014), The Christmas Plains (Image/Random House, 2012), and The Fall and Other Poems (St. Augustine's Press, 2001).

Bottum served as editor of First Things and as literary editor of the Weekly Standard. His writing has appeared in Crisis magazine, the Washington Free Beacon, the London Spectator, and the New York Sun. He held several appointments at Dakota State University from 2017 to 2024, including Director of the Classics Institute and Associate Professor of Philosophy. Earlier in his career, he was an assistant professor of philosophy at Loyola University in Maryland. He received his AB in philosophy from Georgetown University and his PhD in philosophy from Boston College.

In Fall 2025, Bottum will teach a course on "Philosophy and Poetry."

�ֲ��ý the Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy

The Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy is a position within the Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization. The position brings leading thinkers to CU �ֲ��ý to teach, engage with the campus community, and contribute to the Center's mission of fostering intellectual and ideological diversity and promoting the study of Western civilization.

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Call for Papers: New Directions in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Alexander Jack Shively — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:34:53 +0000

Call for Papers: New Directions in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Alexander Jack… Wed, 11/12/2025 - 15:34

A collaboration of the Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization (University of Colorado, �ֲ��ý), Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society (The Ohio State University), and the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education (University of Florida) is pleased to announce a call for papers for a conference on New Directions in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, to be held on May 29-30, 2026, at the University of Colorado, �ֲ��ý.

Theme

This conference is intended to facilitate intensive discussion and provide feedback on research in progress by junior scholars working at the intersection of philosophy, politics, and economics. We welcome papers that engage with historical and modern perspectives, and take a variety of theoretical, empirical, and normative approaches to the combined study of philosophy, politics, and economics.

The conference will feature 8 papers. Papers will be sent out to all conference participants in advance. Each paper will be a single session; authors have 5 minutes for opening remarks with the rest of the session devoted to discussion. Participants are required to have read all papers and attend the entire conference.

Submission

If you are interested in presenting, please submit a full paper or extended abstract (of 2- 3 pages) by December 15, 2025, 5pm Mountain Time, to taylor.jaworski@colorado.edu. Please respond to the same email address if you are interested in attending as participant.

Paper presenters and participants will be notified by January 31, 2026. Full papers will be due on April 22, 2026. Funding is available to support travel and accommodation for all presenters and participants.

Organizers

Gianna Englert, University of Florida
Taylor Jaworski, University of Colorado, �ֲ��ý
John Thrasher, The Ohio State University

A call for papers for a conference on New Directions in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, to be held on May 29-30, 2026, at the University of Colorado, �ֲ��ý.

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CU �ֲ��ý Ranked #5 in 2026 College Free Speech Rankings

Alexander Jack Shively — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:48:24 +0000

CU �ֲ��ý Ranked #5 in 2026 College Free Speech Rankings Alexander Jack… Fri, 09/12/2025 - 09:48

The �ֲ��ý has been recognized as a national leader in free expression, earning the #5 spot in the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Among 257 colleges surveyed and more than 68,000 student responses considered, CU �ֲ��ý stood out for its strong policies, institutional neutrality.

At the Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization, we are proud to play a vital role in this recognition. Our mission is to foster intellectual and ideological diversity on campus and beyond.

These goals align directly with CU �ֲ��ý’s strong showing in the rankings. From sponsoring lectures, seminars, and courses that encourage free and open inquiry. Bringing visiting scholars and speakers from a wide range of viewpoints to campus that expand dialogue so that students, faculty, and community members can engage with challenging ideas in a spirit of respectful debate.

While CU �ֲ��ý’s ranking reflects the strength of its policies, FIRE’s report also shows that more work remains to ensure that every student feels empowered to express their ideas. The Benson Center is committed to leading in this area by cultivating civic dialogue, supporting faculty and student research, and hosting public programs where diverse voices can be heard.

This top-five national ranking is both an honor and a challenge. The Benson Center is proud to contribute to this achievement and looks forward to continuing to build a campus where intellectual and ideological diversity thrives.

Support our mission to bring diverse voices to CU �ֲ��ý. Donate today and help foster open dialogue and free inquiry.

Among 257 colleges surveyed and more than 68,000 student responses considered, CU �ֲ��ý stood out for its strong policies, institutional neutrality.

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Former Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy gives speech on America's Birthday

William Godsil — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:23:24 +0000

Former Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy gives speech on America's Birthday William Godsil Mon, 07/28/2025 - 12:23

Former Benson Center Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy, W.B. Allen recently gave a speech on marking the milestone of America's birthday. In it, he discusses the burden of our inheritance and the foundations of the United States of America.

His speech can be found here on his Youtube Channel: Declaration 250

William B. Allen was the 2018-19 CWCTP Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy and was a Senior Scholar in Residence for 2019-20. Allen is the emeritus dean, James Madison College and emeritus professor of political philosophy at Michigan State University.

Former Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy gives speech on America's Birthday

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Benson Center Sabbatical Fellow Appears on Macro Musings Podcast

William Godsil — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:25:31 +0000

Benson Center Sabbatical Fellow Appears on Macro Musings Podcast William Godsil Tue, 07/22/2025 - 14:25

Upcoming Benson Center Sabbatical Fellow, George Hall, recently appeared on George Mason University's Macro Musings podcast, in the episode George Hall on the Fiscal Consequences of the US War on COVID. Additionally, check out his previous appearance on the podcast on the episode George Hall on the History of the U.S. National Debt and Government Financing.

George Hall is a professor of economics at Brandeis University, and was formerly an economist at the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank. George has written widely on the history of U.S. public finance, and he joins Macro Musings to talk about the history of the U.S. national debt, including the most recent surge resulting from the pandemic.

Benson Center Sabbatical Fellow Appears on Macro Musings Podcast

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Benson Center appoints new Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy

Alexandra Roberts — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:39:30 +0000

Benson Center appoints new Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy Alexandra Roberts Fri, 03/14/2025 - 12:39

Benson Center appoints new Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy

Joseph Bottum will join the Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization at the �ֲ��ý as the Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy in fall 2025. Bottum is the former literary editor of the Weekly Standard and editor of First Things. He has been called the “poetic voice” who “shaped the minds of a generation” in National Review and “a poet and critic and essayist with a sideline in history and philosophy” in the New York Times. His interests and expertise range widely across philosophy, literature, and the social condition. Among other courses, he will teach classes on “The Rise and Fall of the Novel” and “Philosophical Mysticism.”

Bottum is the author of An Anxious Age: The Post-Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of America (Image/Doubleday, 2014). The book is among the most insightful diagnoses of the challenges facing the United States in the twenty-first century: the historical origins of the decline of mainline Protestantism, the consequences of new technology and forms of communication, and what these might mean for spirituality, comity, and prosperity in American life, now and in the future. He has written hundreds of essays and reviews for periodicals online and in print, and is the author of eight books, including The Decline of the Novel (St. Augustine’s Press, 2019) and most recently Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh: A Christmas Chrestomathy (St. Augustine’s Press, 2024).

Bottum shared the Christopher Award for his children’s book The World is Awake (Zonderkidz/HarperCollins, 2018) and delivered the 2014 Bradley Lecture at the American Enterprise Institute. In addition, he has given public lectures at Princeton, Yale, Georgetown, Duke, Notre Dame, and many other colleges and universities. He also served as the host for Book Talk on Radio America, Book-TV on C-Span, and the Library of Liberty.

Bottum holds an A.B. in philosophy from Georgetown University and Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston College. From 1991-1993 he was an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University in Maryland. He has been a monthly literary columnist at Crisis magazine (1995-1998), the Washington Free Beacon (2015-2019), the London Spectator (2018-2019), and the New York Sun (2022-2024). He held several appointments from 2017 to 2024 at Dakota State University in South Dakota, including Director of the Classics Institute, Visiting Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences, and Associate Professor of Philosophy. He recently co-founded the poetry newsletter Poems Ancient and Modern on Substack.

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100 New Thinkers and Experts on International Relations includes Benson Center Fellow

Alexander Jack Shively — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:52:40 +0000

100 New Thinkers and Experts on International Relations includes Benson Center Fellow Alexander Jack… Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:52

Benson Center Faculty Fellow Benjamin Teitelbaum named by Radio France as one of the 100 new thinkers and experts in international relations.

Benjamin Teitelbaum is an ethnomusicologist and a scholar of extreme right-wing movements, especially in Europe and North America. A professor at the University of Colorado, he is the author of War for Eternity, which analyzes the influence of traditionalist ideas on contemporary political figures like Steve Bannon. Its work focuses on political radicalization, cultural identities and their impact on international relations.

Benjamin Teitelbaum named one of 100 New Thinkers and Experts on International Relations

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National Endowment for the Humanities Awards Benson Center $3 Million Endowment Grant

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Colorado Civics Symposium

What Students Will Study

�ֲ��ý the Colorado Civics Symposium

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Benson Center Faculty Fellow Appears on In The NoCo NPR

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Benson Center Announces Visiting Scholars in Conservative Thought and Policy for 2026-27

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Call for Papers: New Directions in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

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CU �ֲ��ý Ranked #5 in 2026 College Free Speech Rankings

Former Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy gives speech on America's Birthday

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