News

Getting Democracy in Tune: Yo-Yo Ma on How the Arts Help Us Understand One Another

Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx ‘93 brought their North Carolina listening tour to Davidson College, where they talked about the importance of the arts to civic life. Earlier in the day, Ma spent time with students. 

After Hurricanes, Recessions and a Pandemic, How Did NC’s Small Towns Fare?

Davidson College and the UNC School of Government’s ncIMPACT Initiative launch major North Carolina public policy research initiative.

To Ban or Not to Ban: Honor Councils Grapple With Academic Integrity in the Age of AI

An academic integrity expert headlined the 3rd Annual Convening of Honor Councils at Davidson College. Guests from 14 colleges and universities grappled with the role and impact of AI, and where honor councils fit into the equation.

No Test Tubes Required: How an Office Hours Question Led to National Policy Research

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) & Educational Studies double major Annalee Stuardi-Drumm ’27 shares how working with Davidson College’s College Crisis Initiative (C2i) and faculty mentors redefined her understanding of research and policy.

Voting in North Carolina? Make a Plan

At Davidson College, leadership and service extend directly into civic participation. Whether voting locally in Mecklenburg County or submitting an absentee ballot from another state, every student is encouraged to make a clear plan to cast their vote. Learn more.

North Carolina at Heart of the Martin Institute for Public Good

Elected leaders, musicians expand Davidson College’s D.G. and Harriet Wall Martin Institute’s growing portfolio of engagement with issues, culture and communities in the Carolinas.

National, Global Leaders Join Martin Institute for Public Good in First Wave of Leaders-in-Residence

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis headline Davidson College programs and events spanning culture, politics, economics and North Carolina’s future.

Literacy Rates Suffer as Book Bans Jeopardize Freedom to Read

Nearly 12,000 books were banned in U.S. public schools last year — restrictions that could worsen the national literacy crisis. For Banned Books Week, Prof. Shireen Campbell shares what we lose when we limit and legislate access to books.

Davidson College Gathers 24 Colleges and Universities to Launch National Deliberative Citizenship Network

Davidson College Selects Leaders to Head Public Good Programs

Davidson College has named five leaders to head new programs within the D.G. and Harriett Wall Martin Institute for Public Good. Their expertise ranges from international politics to free expression of speech to ethical leadership, civic engagement, and the role of the arts and humanities in public life.

Bridging Divides Through Education: Nina Worley ’26 Awarded Smith Scholarship

Nina Worley ’26 spent her four years at Davidson College studying and researching education policy in the United States and abroad. She co-founded a tutoring program that matches Davidson students with struggling young readers and has been a passionate advocate for educational equity. Worley has been named a W. Thomas Smith Scholar and will spend the next year pursuing a master’s degree in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice at Queen’s University Belfast.

Seeking Justice: Smith Recipients Advocate for Educational Equity, Disability Rights

Davidson College has awarded the W. Thomas Smith Scholarship to Rui Rui Bleifuss ’26 and Nina Worley ’26. The scholarship, modeled on those such as the Rhodes and Fulbright, pays for a year of graduate study abroad. Bleifuss, a disability justice advocate, will pursue a master’s degree in Humanitarian Policy and Practice at University College London. Worley, an advocate for educational equity, will pursue a master’s degree in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice at Queen’s University Belfast.

Working Together to Solve Society's Big Problems

Davidson College launched the $47 million D.G. and Harriet Wall Martin Institute for Public Good, aimed to prepare students to solve society's big problems through ethical leadership, public policy research and civil deliberation. Learn how a recent $4 million federal grant is expanding this mission into a national network for constructive dialogue.

Reaching Out, Drawing In: Spencer-Weinstein Award Winners Lead by Building Connections and Expanding Access

Honoring leadership in justice and access: Davidson College awards the Spencer-Weinstein Prize to Nora Fenn Gilman ’26 and Jasmine Peters for their transformative community work. Read more.

Charlotte Optimist: The College That’s Betting on Better Arguments

The Charlotte Optimist spotlights the new D.G. and Harriet Wall Martin Institute for Public Good at Davidson College. The Martin Institute aims to develop effective, ethical leaders and citizens. 

Presidents Give Voice to the Enduring Values That Have Guided Davidson College Across Time

Five Davidson College presidents, representing 42 years of leadership, gathered to discuss the enduring values of a liberal arts education amidst AI disruption and shifting higher education landscapes. The event came after the college announced more than $47 million of gift commitments to launch the D.G. and Harriet Wall Martin Institute for Public Good. Watch the event recording.

Davidson College Secures $47 Million to Launch the D.G. and Harriet Wall Martin Institute for Public Good

Davidson College establishes the D.G. and Harriet Wall Martin Institute for Public Good with a landmark $47 million in support. The ambitious initiative will cultivate ethical leaders and bridge-builders dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing civic challenges.

Davidson College Recognized With Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification

Davidson College has received the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. The college first earned the designation in 2020 and through continuing partnerships with communities, non-profits, and businesses, has renewed its classification.

Want to Bet? A Closer Look at Legal Sports Betting

Davidson College Prof. Kevin McElrath and his students tackle the social and economic consequences of the sports betting boom, examining everything from addiction rates and masculinity to the role of the online attention economy in this timely course.

Davidson College Institute for Public Good Wins Historic $4M Federal Grant to Foster Civil Debate

Davidson College’s Institute for Public Good has been awarded a historic $4 million federal grant—the largest in the college's history—to foster civil debate and respectful disagreement across 100 campuses nationwide. The initiative aims to bridge societal divides and strengthen democracy.