Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement

PACE is a non-partisan institute committed to undergraduate learning that sparks interest in public affairs and civic engagement, and acts as a resource center for local government, nonprofits and public groups.PACE was launched with a generous grant from the Grayce B. Kerr Fund in 1999 to reinvigorate the idea of a state university as a place where civic involvement is encouraged, and where students' intellectual curiosity fosters political and community engagement.

We follow the guidelines of SU's mission statement of: "Our highest purpose is to empower students with knowledge, skills, and core values that contribute to lifelong learning and active citizenship in a democratic society."

To that end, PACE provides students with enriching learning experiences through interactive, thoughtful seminars; sponsoring a lecture series that brings top-level national political leaders to campus; policy and survey research; hands-on internships and much more.

Distinguished faculty bolster our efforts by teaching courses in diverse disciplines, such as philosophy, political science, biology, history and communication arts. PACE impacts the civic life of the Eastern Shore by hosting public forums, events, leadership training sessions for local citizens, and motivating our students to use their talents and energy to become tomorrow's civic leaders.