Connors Institute for Nonpartisan Research & Civic Engagement at Shippensburg University 

The Connors Institute for Nonpartisan Research & Civic Engagement at Shippensburg University works to disseminate high-quality, nonpartisan information to the American public around issues of societal well-being, democracy promotion, and news literacy. 

Founded by Dr. Lawrence Eppard, associate professor of sociology, the institute hosts the podcast Utterly Moderate, where Eppard is joined by guests who help him understand timely topics with a focus on empirical evidence and without unneeded opinions or political agendas.  

The institute also provides impactful opportunities for Shippensburg University students with access to programming, research, and fellowship positions.

Shippensburg University students can apply for research fellowship positions at the Connors Institute through its Democracy Lab.

Students accepted into the program spend the semester working collaboratively with Connors researchers on projects designed to tackle the big issues of our time.

While these positions are currently unpaid, they provide students with valuable skills and experience and are great résumé builders.

Examples of projects that student research fellows have worked on include the “Place Matters” and “Media Report Card” reports.