Cyclone Civics: Taking stock and looking forward

This edition of “Catt Center Perspectives” offers a snapshot of Cyclone Civics’ accomplishments during its inaugural year by Kelly B. Shaw, co-director of the newly named Center for Cyclone Civics. Shaw highlights Cyclone Civics’ activities during its inaugural year, introduces the leadership team guiding Cyclone Civics into its next phase, and offers a glimpse of upcoming plans—including a university-wide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Initially approved by President Wendy Wintersteen in November 2024, Cyclone Civics is a nonpartisan initiative dedicated to advancing civic education and research on free speech, while addressing long-standing gaps in Americans’ civic literacy and engagement. Originally housed within the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and supported by its outstanding staff, the initiative has grown rapidly in scope and impact.

In April 2025, the effort to establish a Center for Cyclone Civics was formally granted by the Iowa Board of Regents. However, efforts in the months leading up to this achievement allowed Cyclone Civics to advance civic literacy, skills, and engagement across Iowa State University through a wide-ranging and strategic set of initiatives.

Programming began with a professional development conference in February 2025 that attracted 130 faculty and staff and featured Phi Beta Kappa’s Fred Lawrence as the keynote speaker. Civic engagement opportunities included a bipartisan “Congress to Campus” visit by former members of Congress Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) and David Skaggs (D-CO), and outreach such as “Cookies and the Constitution.” Early collaboration with ISU Extension resulted in “Byte-Sized Civics,” a web-based video series to improve public understanding of state and local government, developed by student interns and Catt Center-affiliated faculty and staff.

To deepen impact, Cyclone Civics developed a framework for awarding grants to support civic-related events, student competitions like Ethics Bowl and Model European Union, and curriculum enhancements. Communication tools including a website, social media, and email were established through the Catt Center.

In the research realm, over 300 graduating seniors at Iowa State completed a 20-question assessment of their understanding of civic institutions and policies, and a separate survey of over 1,000 students revealed important trends in political attitudes and socialization. Faculty also contributed to national conversations through publications and presentations at major conferences. Outreach efforts included recruitment activities at Kansas Boys and Girls State and engagement with ISU Student Government. Altogether, Cyclone Civics has laid a strong foundation for building a more informed, engaged, and civically capable student body at Iowa State University.

Leadership of the Center for Cyclone Civics was formalized this spring with the appointments of Karen M. Kedrowski and Kelly B. Shaw as co-directors, effective July 1. Kedrowski, political science professor and director of the Catt Center, brings over two decades of experience in civic education research and pedagogy. Shaw, a teaching professor in the Department of Political Science, is a former elected official with hands-on outreach experience in state, national, and transatlantic politics. In keeping with Iowa State University’s land-grant mission to integrate science and practice, Kedrowski and Shaw look forward to collaborating with stakeholders in the years to come. The center’s creation and early momentum have also been made possible through the vision and leadership of LAS Dean Benjamin C. Withers, the ongoing support and engagement of Catt Center staff, and the encouragement of Provost Jason Keith, whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen the Cyclone Civics mission. To ensure continued progress and sustainability, a standing committee has also been established to provide long-term strategic guidance and direction.

Looking ahead, Cyclone Civics is poised to expand its impact across campus and beyond through a robust slate of programming, partnerships, and outreach efforts. Central among these initiatives is the “America at 250” series, which will span three semesters and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The program will include lectures, performances, and public readings featuring both national voices and Iowa State faculty experts. Events will address topics such as the influence of the U.S. Constitution abroad, the role of women and Indigenous peoples in the American founding, and contemporary challenges to academic freedom. Cyclone Civics will also assume responsibility for the #CyclonesVote initiative, further strengthening Iowa State’s student voter engagement efforts. Through these activities, Cyclone Civics will deepen its mission of fostering civic literacy, skills, and disposition in the campus community.

Beyond commemorative programming, Cyclone Civics will continue to cultivate institutional partnerships and extend its reach across the state. Collaborations will be sustained and expanded with key campus units including the Catt Center, Extension, Student Affairs, University Lectures, the Greenlee School, and numerous academic departments. Outreach to peer civics programs across Iowa—such as those at the University of Northern Iowa, Simpson College, and the University of Iowa—will foster statewide civic dialogue and joint initiatives. Internally, Cyclone Civics will promote faculty development through curriculum grants, co-sponsorships, and high-impact practices, while also launching new research grant opportunities. Planning is already underway for a second professional development conference to build on the momentum of the inaugural 2025 event and to convene civic educators from across the state.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the progress and plans of Cyclone Civics. We are proud of what has been accomplished in our first year and energized by the opportunities ahead. We look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to strengthen civic education and engagement at Iowa State University and beyond.