Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch
Associate Professor Angela McGowan-Kirsch has been selected as a 2025–2026 SUNY Civil Discourse and Civic Education & Engagement Fellow.
The 10 SUNY Fellows who form the program's second cohort were chosen to promote civil discourse among students, faculty and staff throughout campus communities, and to advance SUNY's commitment to civic engagement as an essential outcome of higher education.
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
In this role, Dr. McGowan-Kirsch, a member of the Fredonia faculty since 2015 in the Department of Communication, will work with colleagues across the SUNY system to advance civil discourse, civic education and democratic engagement initiatives.
“Empowering students to become well-rounded, engaged citizens is an important part of SUNY’s commitment to academic excellence,” SUNY Chancellor King said. “It is essential for a strong democracy that people are not only civically engaged but are also able to communicate and even disagree in civil and appropriate ways. I offer my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the faculty fellows selected for this year’s Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement program and thank them for their dedication to building a stronger society for all.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees noted, “SUNY is leading the way in investing in meaningful programs to increase opportunities for participation in civil discourse and civic engagement for its students, thanks to the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature. We celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s fellows and congratulate each of them for taking on this important work.”
Fellows will also support SUNY faculty, staff and administration in preparation for the Fall 2026 implementation of the new core competency to advance civil discourse in the SUNY General Education Framework.
McGowan-Kirsch 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 fellow, McGowan-Kirsch aims to enhance SUNY’s commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful dialogue and active citizenship among students and faculty alike.
