The Hogan Institute at Washington College
Since its founding, Washington College has been committed to preparing citizen leaders for the demands and rigors of democratic life.
The Hogan Institute contributes to that mission through preparing students to engage constructively across differences, serve the public good, and strengthen the institutions that sustain our democracy.
The United States faces a series of complex and interconnected challenges that require effective, collaborative leadership across sectors and political ideologies. At the same time, public confidence in government and civic institutions has declined and political polarization has made consensus-driven problem solving more difficult. These dynamics underscore the need for leaders who can navigate competing priorities, work across institutional boundaries, acknowledge legitimate differences, advocate strongly but respectfully, seek compromise, exhibit public virtue, and produce results that improve people's lives.
The Hogan Institute at Washington College exists to inspire students and citizens to believe that a better version of politics is possible and to equip them with the insights they need to turn inspiration into action.
The Hogan Institute develops principled citizen leaders ready to work across political, ideological, and institutional divides to solve public problems and strengthen democracy in service of the American people.
The Hogan Institute and its partners seek to do that in three ways:
The first step toward strengthening civic life and developing leaders who can achieve positive results is to inspire Americans to believe that something better is possible. The Institute's Distinguished Speaker Series showcases leaders who practice civility, value institutions, practice restraint, exercise critical thinking, and appreciate the necessity of compromise in a democratic society.
Informal events and classroom visits complement the speaker series and allow students to interact personally with respected leaders.
Inspiration alone can't solve our nation's problems. Leaders need to be equipped with the skills and insights that make effective leadership possible. The Leaders and Citizens Dialogue Series allows students and other interested parties to interact with skilled practitioners in a wide variety of fields. The series provides an opportunity for unscripted conversations with accomplished professionals who have successfully navigated the complex leadership challenges that arise throughout careers.
The dialogue series provides the type of insights and advice that help turn inspiration into practical action. Policy labs, classroom visits, mentorship programs, and informal gatherings provide students with networking opportunities and additional exposure to renowned experts.
Through public events, partnerships and media engagement, the Hogan Institute contributes to national conversations on civic culture, leadership, governance, and political reform.
“When we look back at George Washington and the leaders who have shaped this country, we can’t help but yearn for something better and more noble than the politics of today. The Hogan Institute will be dedicated to preparing the next generation of citizen leaders and renewing the idea that public service is about a commitment to something greater than ourselves and honoring the trust of those we serve."
— Gov. Larry Hogan