The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
A bipartisan research, teaching and experiential learning institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with special emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity, civility and ethics, and hands-on learning through internships and events.
Bliss Institute Awards
Honorary Certificate in Applied Politics
The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics presented an honorary certificate in applied politics to Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, and Colleen Marshall, anchor for NBC4’s evening newscasts and the political program “NBC4’s The Spectrum.” The awards recognize their outstanding service to the democratic process. The ceremony was held in Columbus.
Karen Kasler, a prominent voice in Ohio political journalism, has covered major elections and statewide controversies, moderated key debates for the Ohio Debate Commission, and led public forums on issues including redistricting, tax policy, drug sentencing reform, marijuana legalization, and Senate Bill 5. Her reporting has been featured on NPR, “Marketplace,” and major national outlets including the BBC, CBS, NBC, and Radio New Zealand. She is a regular panelist on Ideastream’s “The Sound of Ideas” and a frequent guest on WOSU-TV’s “Columbus on the Record”, WOSU-FM's "All Sides with Anna Staver" and WVXU's "Cincinnati Edition". Kasler’s accolades include a National Headliner Award, multiple honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Ohio Associated Press, four AP Best Broadcast Writing awards, and three Emmy nominations for “The State of Ohio.”
Colleen Marshall, an award-winning anchor and journalist, has received nine regional Emmy awards, including recognition for political reporting on state budget cuts and an annual program on her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She earned a national Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media for investigative reporting on sexual abuse by an Ohio State University physician. She has been honored for both journalism and community service by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, The American Red Cross and Stonewall Columbus. She was named a Silver Circle honoree by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for more than 25 years of broadcasting.
EVENTS
The Joe Biden Presidency: Legacy and Record
April 10-11, 2025 | University of Mount Union Campus
This is an even-handed, non-partisan, and scholarly examination of the actions and consequences of the Joseph R. Biden Presidency on the United States and world from a variety of perspectives.
For more information: https://www.mountunion.edu/the-joe-biden-presidency-legacy-and-record
2025 Annual Ohio Peace and Conflict Studies Network Conference
Bridging the Divide: Prevention and Intervention
April 11, 2025 | Sinclair Community College
Workshop 3: Deliberative Pedagogy - How to Host a Deliberative Discussion Session will be presented by Dr. Cherie Strachan and UA graduate assistants, Grace Edwards and Krista Nisly.
Register here by April 4.
Life, Liberty, and Property in Akron: An Interactive Experience
April 30, 2025 | InfoCision Stadium on Level 5
Dr. John C. Green, director emeritus of the Bliss Institute, will lead a discussion comparing your views on property rights to fellow Akronites, in the present day and more than eighty years ago.
In 1938, more than a thousand Akron citizens were surveyed about their views on property rights, and recently, more than a thousand Akron citizens participated in an updated version of the original survey. Using interactive technology, each audience member will be able to anonymously share their answers to these survey questions, see similarities and differences with the two previous surveys, and participate in a discussion of support and meaning of property rights.
RSVP to Kim Haverkamp at kh1@uakron.edu or 330-972-5155.
Why study applied politics
Jim Crooks, MA '03, Owner of JP Power Strategic Communications, discusses his career path and shares advice for students.
Valuable internships
UA graduate student, Brandon Meeker, shares his internship experience with the Akron Bicentennial. He is pursuing a Master in Applied Politics.
THE GREATER AKRON CIVILITY CENTER
Setting standards, providing resources, and working to create a culture of civility in the Greater Akron community.
Inside Bliss Institute
Campus location
Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
The University of Akron
Olin Hall 325
Akron, OH 44325-1914
(see campus map)
Contact us
Office: 330-972-5182
Fax: 330-972-5479
Email: bliss@uakron.edu
Social Media Coordinator:
Blair Everett
Email: beverett@uakron.edu
