Announcing a New Era in Civic Education
The University of Carolina community is excited to announce Jed Atkins as the first Director and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences’ newest addition, the School of Civic Life and Leadership. Effective March 28, Atkins will not only step into his new role but will also embrace the Taylor Grandy Distinguished Professorship in the Philosophy of Living.
Jed Atkins: A Beacon of Educational Excellence
Jed Atkins, previously the E. Blake Byrne Associate Professor of Classical Studies at Duke University, is recognized for his exceptional commitment to fostering civic engagement and promoting meaningful dialogue. In his new capacity, he brings a rich tapestry of experiences, including his leadership of Duke’s Civil Discourse Project. Atkins, who has been a key figure at Duke since 2009, is lauded for his expertise in Greek and Roman philosophy, as well as contemporary issues surrounding tolerance and civil discourse. His scholarly credentials include an M.Phil. in Political Thought and Intellectual History and a Ph.D. in Classics, both from the University of Cambridge.
Carolina’s Vision for Civic Engagement
Under Jed Atkins’s leadership, the School of Civic Life and Leadership is set to become a cornerstone of Carolina’s commitment to addressing societal challenges through civic education. Launched last fall, the school is designed to nurture a culture of intellectual curiosity and reflective thought, qualities essential for a thriving democratic society. Sarah Treul Roberts, who served admirably as the interim director, played a crucial role in developing the curriculum for the school’s new minor program, set to begin in fall 2024. This program promises to provide students from various academic backgrounds with comprehensive training in civics, humanities, and scientific literacy.
Gratitude and Anticipation
The selection of Jed Atkins followed a thorough national search, led by Mark Katz, a distinguished professor of music and SCiLL faculty member. The search committee, comprising faculty from various departments and a student representative, was instrumental in recognizing Atkins’s unique qualifications for this pivotal role. The University extends its deepest thanks to Sarah Treul Roberts for her invaluable contributions during her tenure and eagerly looks forward to Jed Atkins’s leadership in fostering a new standard for civic engagement and leadership development at Carolina.