Communication Scholar Fostering Civil Discourse in Higher Ed

Dr. Lindsay Hoffman is Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Delaware, with a joint appointment in Political Science & International Relations. As Director of Public Engagement at the Center for Political Communication, Dr. Hoffman leads voting, civic engagement, and civil dialogue initiatives on campus. Her research specializations include political communication, media effects, and public opinion research.

Dr. Hoffman's work focuses on political polarization, misinformation, intellectual humility, and civil discourse interventions. She also directs the Blue Hen Poll, a student-led public opinion research initiative, and integrates the Braver Angels College Debates and Discourse program into her undergraduate courses, demonstrating her commitment to fostering civil discourse in higher education.

Engagement as an HxA Member:
Presented at HxA Virtual Event, Summit, or Conference
Featured in HxA Member Story
Guest on HxA Podcast
HxA Writers Group Member or Veteran
Active Moderator of an HxCommunity
Active HxA Campus Community Co-Chair
Author of essay in inquisitive magazine or HxA's blog
Former or Current Faculty Fellow at HxA's Segal Center for Academic Pluralism
Speaker's Title and Institutional/Organizational Affiliation: Associate Professor, University of Delaware
Event Type :
Lecture/Presentation
Fireside Chat
Book Talk
Constitution Day Event
Classroom Visit
Workshop
Podcast
Debate, Forum, or HxConversation
Speaking Topics - List up to 5 specific topics or titles, each separated by a semicolon: Engaging students in the classroom; creating a community of practice on campus; research on civil dialogue interventions; campus climate polls and student research
Blackout Dates (Dates speaker is unavailable, Days/Month/Year): Holidays
Distance Willing to Travel: Available for Virtual Events Only
Scholarly Area: Social Sciences
Modality of Event : Virtual Only
Willingness to be recorded: Willing
Speaking Fee (Not including travel/lodging expenses): $0-$2,000 USD
Recent Appearance (1 of 5) -title, host institution, year: "Executing Campus-Wide Surveys as both a Climate Report and a Pedagogical Tool for College Students," Heterodox Academy, 2025
Recent Appearance (2 of 5) -title, host institution, year: "Elevating the Student Experience with Braver Angels Debates," Heterodox Academy, 2024.
Recent Appearance (3 of 5) -title, host institution, year: "Impact of Active Listening in the Reduction of Partisan Polarization among College Students: Insights from Civil College Debates," Southern Political Science Association, 2025.
Recent Appearance (4 of 5) -title, host institution, year: "College Debates and Discourse Alliance Symposium: Best Practices in Building Vibrant Campus Communities of Discourse," Braver Angels annual conference, 2024.
Recent Appearance (5 of 5) -title, host institution, year: "The 2024 Alumni Summit on Free Expression: Creating Lasting Change," The American Council of Trustees and Alumni annual conference, 2024
Link to Speaker's Professional Website (to include sample writings and more extensive bio): https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/communication/our-people/lindsay-hoffman/