Conference Overview: 

The U.S. public consistently reports that civility is essential to a functioning democracy. Yet incivility is (and historically has been) prevalent in political contexts. Public sector administrators encounter this incivility in ways big and small in their daily work. The increasing nationalization of local politics and rising mistrust and devaluation of public sector work create a challenging environment for the work CPM participants and alumni do. As the National CPM Consortium reminds us in our competencies, public sector leaders must manage the public trust through stewardship of public resources and contribute to the common good through accountability and transparency. Our conference will offer a new frame for that good work: narrative leadership. 

The conference will feature two keynote presentations from faculty doing extensive work in these areas: Professor Ashley Muddiman and Distinguished Professor Chris Koliba. Then, we'll dive into action with academic and practitioner breakouts. Our second morning will turn our focus to the capstone projects-including the ways many past projects have been great examples of narrative leadership in action. 

Conference participants will further their understanding of the Public Service Focus CPM competency, and collectively, we will: 

• Deepen our understanding the role of public administrators in carrying out the practices and values of democracy. 
• Learn the concept of narrative leadership and practice creating statements to counter incivility in their domains. 
• Learn additional tools and best practices to respond to incivility and rebuild trust in their communities. 

Conference Schedule:

Day 1: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Conference Sessions
 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Social Event

Day 2: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Conference Sessions

Planned Conference Sessions: 

The conference will feature keynote presentations from leading scholars-Professor Ashley Muddiman and Distinguished Professor Chris Koliba-followed by dynamic academic and practitioner breakout sessions. Our second morning will spotlight capstone projects, highlighting the ways many have embodied narrative leadership in action.  

Conference Agenda: 

October 14, 2025

              8:30-9:00 - Coffee/Light Breakfast

              9:00-9:15 - Welcome and Ice Breaker

9:15-9:25 - Introduction and Framing

9:25-10:15 - Incivility: The Lay of the Land with Professor Ashley Muddiman

10:15-10:30 - Break

10:30-11:25 - Beyond Voting: What Makes a Democracy a Democracy? With Distinguished Professor Chris Koliba

11:25-11:35 - Transition

11:35-12:15 - Breakout Round #1

12:15-1:15 - Lunch (provided)

1:15-2:00 - Breakout Round #2

2:00-2:10 - Transition

2:10-2:55 - Breakout Round #3

2:55-3:10 - Break

3:10-4:15 - Closing Plenary and Workshop: Applying Narrative Leadership

4:15-4:30 - Logistics

4:30-5:30 - Hotel Check In | Break | Transition

5:30-7:00pm - Social Event - DeBruce Center - Happy Hour and Yard Games (See the rules of basketball, Allen Fieldhouse, and more!)

October 15, 2025

8:30-9:00 - Coffee/Light Breakfast

9:00-10:30 - Alumni Capstone Highlights 

10:30-10:45 - Break

10:45-12:00 -

• Capstone Peer Review Feedback Circles (2025 Cohort)
• Capstone Planning Circles (25/26 Cohort)
• CPM Alumni and Conference Focus Group