intro
The University of Illinois System has announced 20 faculty members selected for the 2026–27 Public Voices Fellowship, a program designed to help academics communicate their expertise and contribute to public discussions on important issues. Out of the 20, four are FAA faculty, including:
- Terri Ciofalo (Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Department of Theatre)
- Ollie Watts Davis (School of Music)
- Kathryn Holliday (School of Architecture)
- Stacey Robinson (School of Art & Design)
Now in its eighth year, the fellowship is led by The OpEd Project and provides participants with four training sessions and individualised mentorship from journalism professionals. Fellows will receive editing and coaching support and are expected to publish at least two opinion-editorial articles during the academic year.
The selected cohort includes faculty from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, and other university-affiliated research and academic units, representing disciplines such as graphic design, music, education, engineering, media studies, and public policy. The initiative aims to amplify academic voices and make research and expertise more accessible to broader audiences.