Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch
Associate Professor Angela McGowan-Kirsch has been selected as a 2025–2026 SUNY Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement Fellow.
In this role, Dr. McGowan-Kirsch, a faculty member in the Department of Communication, will work with colleagues across the SUNY system to advance civil discourse, civic education and democratic engagement initiatives. McGowan-Kirsch was selected as one of 10 faculty systemwide for the program.
Angela’s leadership in civic education and dedication to student engagement make her an ideal SUNY Civic Fellow. She will contribute meaningfully to advancing civil discourse across the system.” – Professor Roslin Smith
McGowan-Kirsch has been a member of the Fredonia faculty since 2015 and specializes in rhetoric, political communication, leadership and media literacy. She chairs the American Democracy Project Committee, coordinates the Leadership Studies minor and directs the Civic Discourse General Education Competency Task Force.
Her scholarship focuses on fostering civil dialogue and supporting college students’ democratic engagement. McGowan-Kirsch's work emphasizes inclusive leadership, civil discourse and partnerships that connect classroom learning with real-world civic engagement.
“Angela’s leadership in civic education and dedication to student engagement make her an ideal SUNY Civic Fellow. She will contribute meaningfully to advancing civil discourse across the system,” said Professor Roslin Smith, chair of the Department of Communication.
As a SUNY Civic Fellow, McGowan-Kirsch will collaborate with colleagues across the system to develop and implement initiatives that promote the goals of the program. Through this role, she aims to enhance SUNY’s commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful dialogue and active citizenship among students and faculty alike.
