Historic Evening Ahead: Dr. Colleen Shogan to Launch 2025-2026 Meador Lecture Series
Join us tonight, Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
The Meador Center for Politics and Citizenship is thrilled to kick off its milestone 2025-2026 lecture series, “Ten Years of the Meador Center,” with a truly distinguished speaker. Dr. Colleen Shogan, the immediate past Director of the National Archives and the first woman to be nominated and confirmed to that historic position, will join us for what promises to be a compelling evening of discussion. This event marks a special moment for the Meador Center as we celebrate a decade of bringing important political and civic conversations to our community.
Event Details
When: Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Where: Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Drury University campus Location: Between the Mercy Science Center (formerly Trustee Science Center) and Shewmaker Communication Center on Drury Lane Admission: Free and open to the public – no ticket required
“Preserving History in Polarized Times”
Dr. Shogan will address one of the most pressing challenges of our era: how we preserve and interpret historical records when society itself seems increasingly divided. As someone who has stood at the helm of America’s most important repository of historical documents, her insights into this topic are both timely and essential.
Her expertise comes not just from her groundbreaking role at the National Archives, but also from her extensive academic background. Dr. Shogan holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Yale University and has authored “The Moral Rhetoric of American Presidents” (Texas A&M University Press, 2007), along with numerous academic articles and eight crime novels.
Recent Media Spotlight
Dr. Shogan’s work continues to resonate in national conversations about history and democracy. She was recently featured on PBS for Constitution Day on September 17, offering her perspective on the enduring relevance of America’s founding documents. Additionally, The New York Times featured her insights in a recent article exploring the very themes she’ll be discussing during her visit to Drury.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s leading voices on historical preservation and civic responsibility. Join us for what promises to be an enlightening evening that will challenge us all to think more deeply about how we preserve our past for future generations.
For more information about the Meador Center and upcoming events, visit Drury University’s website or contact the Meador Center directly.