How can Americans balance individualism with shared commitments?

This question will guide the presentations and discussions at Missouri State University’s 21st annual Public Affairs Conference. Themed “Between the One and the Many: Considering Community and Individualism,” the conference will take place Sept. 24-26.

“We’re not taking a position on the tension between the community and the individual, but we want to explore that relationship,” said Dr. John Schmalzbauer, MSU professor, public affairs fellow and conference chair.

“We want to look at the relationship between me and we and I and the larger community. How can we as Americans come together around issues but also tell our own stories?”

Join in the conversation

Read the full transcript

Schedule highlights

The conference includes a mix of in-person and live-streamed sessions:

• A keynote speech from actress and advocate Brooke Shields
• Four plenary speakers
• Eighteen virtual panel sessions covering topics ranging from echo chamber bubbles to AI in health care and classroom neutrality

“Through these sessions, we hope to help our students and the wider community have better conversations and become better citizens,” Schmalzbauer said.

All events are free and open to the public. No registration needed.

Access the full schedule

Opportunity to meet Shields

Shields is more than just an actress. She is a public figure and philanthropist who has invested herself in many issues and contributed to the common good.

In terms of individuality, Shields has shared her story of managing fame and overcoming personal challenges.

She will serve as the keynote speaker at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. The keynote is free and open to the public. No tickets needed.

The event is made possible by the Missouri State Foundation with support from KY3.

The foundation will host a VIP Experience with Shields at 5:30 p.m. before her keynote speech. Tickets for the event are $150 and available for purchase online.

Hear from plenary speakers

The four speakers are:

• Ray Suarez, broadcaster and author – he will address the new secular America at 12:15 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Plaster Student Union (PSU) Theater.
• Tucker Bryant, entrepreneur, innovation strategist and poet – he will discuss the self and the connected community at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 in the PSU Theater.
• Scott Tong, co-host of NPR and WBUR’s Here and Now – he will speak at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in the PSU Theater.
• Wesley Watkins, founder of The Jazz and Democracy Project – he will explore jazz as a metaphor for balancing the I with the we at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 via Zoom.

More details

Guests may park in BearPark North without a permit for in-person events.

Live virtual sessions are presented via Zoom webinar. Access Zoom links on the conference schedule page.

The free Bear Line shuttle provides transportation to PSU from BearPark North.

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