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Intentional programming shapes the learning experiences of the Public Democracy Scholars and other Drake students with an interest in politics, community leadership, public service, law, policy, or social change.
Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy for High School Students
July 8-10, 2026 | Drake University
The Donna and Darnell Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy is an exclusive opportunity for high school juniors to learn from scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders.
The Academy immerses 28 select high school juniors in an intensive and rewarding leadership development program that will give students the skills to stand out as student leaders.
National Civility Summit for Local Government: Adaptability in a Changing Environment
Video of 2026 Speakers:
Welcome and Opening Remarks - Scott Raecker, Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
Leading Through Change - Clarence Anthony, CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities
Partnering for Community Resilience Through Civility - Panel moderated by Tiffany Tauscheck, President and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership. Featuring Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration, Mid-American Energy and Jo Christine Miles, Director of Principal® Foundation and Principal Community Relations, Principal Financial Group
Controllable vs. Uncontrollable: A Civility Framework - Tabitha Choquette, Director of Programs, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
Election Integrity & Trust in Local Government - Bill Gates, Director of the Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory and Professor of Practice at Watts College of Public Service of Community Solutions, Arizona State University; former chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
Applied Adaptability: Tools for Local Leaders - Panel moderated by Mickey Shields, Deputy Director, Iowa League of Cities. Featuring city managers Dylan Mulfinger (Oelwein), James Bronner (Waverly), and Tim Vick (Adel).
A University Perspective on Civic Leadership – Marty Martin, President, Drake University
Closing Reflection: The Path Forward – Scott Raecker, Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
Video of 2025 Speakers
Why Civility is Important - Robert Palmer, General Counsel & Director of Govt. Affairs, Iowa League of Cities
Context of Civility - Scott Raecker, Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
Clarity, Habits, and Mindsets Needed for Civility - Scott Raecker, Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
Civil Discourse, Engagement, and Trust Building - Clarence Anthony, CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities
2024 Speakers
Welcome and Opening Remarks - Robert Palmer, General Counsel & Director of Govt. Affairs, Iowa League of Cities
The Context of Civility - Scott Raecker, Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
The Role of Civility and Stability in Community Prosperity - Tiffany Tauscheck, President and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Leadership & Civility - Secretary Tom Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture
Leading in Divisive and Difficult Times - Bob Andeweg, Mayor of Urbandale, Iowa, and Scott Raecker
Conversations with a Municipal Leader and Civility Trainer - Kelley Packer, Executive Director, Association of Idaho Cities, and Alan Kemp, Executive Director, Iowa League of Cities
The Evolving Role of Local Leaders: Combatting Hate by Leading with Civility - Clarence Anthony, CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities
Why We Do What We Do - Kerrie Lauck, Director of Education, Arkansas Municipal League
Structure of Civility - Robert Palmer
Creating a Culture of Civility - Scott Raecker
A Message from Drake University President, Marty Martin
Conclusion and Closing Remarks - Scott Raecker and Robert Palmer
This event is hosted by:
University Calendar 
University News
March 4, 2026
