University of Denver Launches National Academy Dedicated to Advancing Free Expression

DENVER, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Denver (DU) is announcing today that it will serve as the home for the newly-launched John and Sandy Miller National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism. The Miller National Academy will serve as a national institution dedicated to renewing the principles of free expression and pluralism that have long supported a flourishing democratic society. Nationally recognized educator and former presidential speechwriter Mary Kate Cary will lead The Miller National Academy as its founding executive director.

"The Miller National Academy marks a significant step in our commitment to fostering free expression and inquiry both at the University of Denver and across the nation," says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. "It will create opportunities for students, scholars, business leaders and the broader community to engage across differences with openness and intellectual honesty."

Pluralism is what emerges when people engage constructively across real differences – it is the opposite of polarization. The Miller National Academy aims to advance free expression and pluralism by connecting people, ideas and institutions working to strengthen constructive engagement both in higher education and across society. Through research, collaboration and practical solutions, The Miller National Academy will identify effective approaches, share lessons learned and help leaders across sectors put those insights into practice.

Founding Executive Director Mary Kate Cary will lead efforts to connect organizations, encourage discussion and expand The Miller National Academy's national impact. As a former White House speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush, founder of Think Again and recipient of the 2024 Heterodox Academy Leadership award, Cary brings extensive experience in political communication and expertise in helping people engage thoughtfully across ideological divides.  

"A pluralistic society begins with the freedom to think, question, speak, create, dissent and persuade. Simply put: Free expression makes pluralism possible," Cary says. "We can't benefit from our differences if we are afraid to express them. At The Miller National Academy, we are creating the dedicated space where different perspectives are met with curiosity rather than division."

DU alumni John and Sandy Miller established The Miller National Academy out of their belief in the importance of free expression and the critical role that universities play in preparing students to positively contribute to a democratic society.

"The University of Denver helped shape who I am and exposed me to opinions and perspectives different from my own," says John Miller, BSBA '75, MBA '76. "We believe the experience of learning from others is just as vital to student growth and skill development as academics."

Sandy Miller, BA '76 adds, "College is where students begin to shape their own beliefs, question what they've always known and discover new ways of thinking. We want to help preserve this opportunity for generations to come."

The Miller National Academy builds on a commitment DU established through its 4D Experience, which helps students develop the habits of mind and character that civic life requires. 4D supports students through experiences to help deepen intellect, develop well-being, discover character and design careers and lives of purpose. In collaboration with national partners, DU will serve as a laboratory for the best student- and faculty-facing programs in civil dialogue and constructive problem solving and will share them with universities nationwide. The Miller National Academy will also elevate DU's Debate Across the Curriculum and Conflict Engagement & Resolution Initiative by sharing their resources and curricula nationally.

The Miller National Academy will lead in a non-partisan and institutionally neutral way, promoting the idea that democracy depends on the free exchange of ideas and the capacity to work across differences.

About the University of Denver:
Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is a private university that empowers students who want to make a difference. Recognized as one of the top research universities in the country, DU has more than 200 academic programs serving about 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students. DU students benefit from an experience that channels passion to serve the public good. Visit the University's Newsroom or follow the University on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE University of Denver