The Sanford School of Public Policy has named Stephen Buckley, Eugene C. Patterson Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy, as the interim director of Polis: Center for Politics.
Founded in 2015, Polis is Sanford’s hub for civic engagement, political research, and leadership development. The center prepares students for public service, fosters innovative scholarship, and strengthens democratic participation locally, nationally, and globally. Signature initiatives include the Polis Distinguished Fellows program, Project Citizen, the Polis Student Committee, and the Civil Discourse Project, all designed to help students develop the tools to engage across difference.
Buckley succeeds Abdullah Antepli, who was recently named President of the Rothko Chapel in Houston, a globally recognized center for art, spirituality, and social justice. Antepli had led Polis since 2024, guiding the center through a period of growth and renewed focus on civil discourse.
“Appointing Stephen Buckley as interim director reflects our strong commitment to Polis,” said Manoj Mohanan, Interim Dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy. “Stephen’s deep engagement with students and his thoughtful leadership will ensure continuity and excellence for our work on policy engagement and civil discourse at this critical moment for Sanford and Duke.”
Buckley brings a wealth of experience and a track record of connecting students to the most pressing questions of democracy and civic life. Duke Today recently interviewed him for Duke’s Dialogue Across Difference initiative for his work in developing a series of courses included in the Civil Discourse and Democracy Duke Immerse cluster. These courses help students develop the skills to listen across divides and engage respectfully without sacrificing conviction. He also discussed this work on Sanford’s Policy360 podcast, describing civil discourse as “listening deeply, holding your own perspective, but remaining open to change.”
Buckley on stage at Duke, interviewing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa for the Rubenstein Lecture.
In addition to his teaching and mentorship, Buckley has helped convene some of the most important conversations on campus. In 2024, he moderated the Rubenstein Lecture with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, facilitating a dialogue on press freedom, democracy, and the future of truth in an era of disinformation. That same year, he was also named the Public Editor of The Dallas Morning News, underscoring his commitment to accountability and public trust in journalism.
“I am honored to step into this role at Polis,” Buckley said. “Our students give me great hope for the future. They are eager to learn, eager to listen, and eager to lead with integrity. I look forward to building on the center’s strong foundation and supporting our students as they find their own voices in strengthening democracy.”
A journalist by training, Buckley previously held senior editorial roles at The Washington Post, Tampa Bay Times, and Poynter Institute, and at Duke, he also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Journalism and Media minor.
With Buckley at the helm, Polis will continue its mission to strengthen democracy by preparing students for public service, advancing cutting-edge scholarship, and fostering dialogue across difference. In the coming year, a search for a permanent director of Polis will be announced.
A Vibrant Year Ahead at Polis
The upcoming academic year promises to be one of the most dynamic yet for Polis. Three nationally recognized leaders will join the Duke community as Polis Distinguished Fellows:
- John Hillen, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Army combat veteran, and former public company CEO, will serve as Distinguished Resident Fellow and Executive-in-Residence. He will teach courses on civil discourse, leadership, diplomacy, and national security, support the Civil Discourse Project, and participate broadly across Sanford’s programs.
- Michael S. Regan, former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, will bring his expertise on environmental policy and leadership in government service.
- Danny Werfel, former Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and former Acting Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, will share insights from his decades of public service at the highest levels of fiscal policy and federal administration.
These fellows will engage with students, faculty, and the broader community through public events, classroom discussions, and mentoring opportunities, offering unparalleled perspectives on governance and democratic leadership.