AASCU Announces Winners of the 2025 Civic Engagement Awards
Contact:
Kellee Edmonds
(202) 478-4662
INDIANAPOLIS, July 14, 2025 – The American Democracy Project (ADP), an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), announced the winners of the Barbara Burch, William M. Plater, and Spirit of Democracy awards. The honors were handed out today during the 2025 American Democracy Project Summit in Indianapolis.
“AASCU’s American Democracy Project campuses continue to lead with creativity, commitment, and care as they champion civic engagement in innovative ways,” said Charles L. Welch, president of AASCU. “These awards recognize the impact of the awardees’ work and the power of collaboration in cultivating civic-minded students. We’re proud to celebrate their leadership and dedication to building a thriving democracy.”
Learn more about the awards and their winners below.
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Leah Murray, director, the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service and Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Weber State University (UT), won the Barbara Burch Award for Faculty Leadership in Civic Engagement.
The Barbara Burch Award is given for exemplary faculty leadership in advancing the civic learning and engagement of undergraduate students and the work of AASCU’s ADP on campus and/or nationally.
Murray was recognized for her long-standing and exemplary leadership in civic education at Weber State University and throughout the broader field. Her outstanding service and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in expanding the reach and sustaining the impact of the American Democracy Project.
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Dimetri Horner, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Harris-Stowe State University (MO), is this year’s recipient of the William M. Plater Award for Leadership in Civic Engagement.
The William M. Plater Award is given in recognition of exemplary leadership of an AASCU chief academic officer in advancing the civic learning of undergraduates through programming. This award is named after Bill Plater, one of the original team of provosts who helped envision and launch ADP.
Horner’s leadership has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to elevating student voice and agency. Her work embedding civic responsibility across curricular and co-curricular programs, as well as building strong community partnerships, has provided students with meaningful platforms to lead for positive change on campus and in the community.
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Kimbery Schmidl-Gagne, officer of assessment & accreditation at Keene State College (NH), received the Spirit of Democracy Award.
This award honors exemplary leadership from staff in advancing the civic learning and engagement of undergraduate students and the work of AASCU’s ADP on campus and/or nationally.
Schmidl-Gagne’s tireless dedication to civic engagement at Keene State College, particularly her leadership of the Participating Candidates program, advances students’ civic development. Her collegial spirit and ongoing contributions have significantly strengthened the American Democracy Project network and its lasting influence.
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AASCU congratulates all the American Democracy Project award winners!
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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to serving today’s students, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions delivering America’s promise.
