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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 Annual Report 2022-2023.png

Throughout my first year as director, I have had the pleasure of meeting many Bliss Institute colleagues, alumni, and friends. I have developed an annual report to let you know of all the activities undertaken in my inaugural year. As this report reveals, I stepped into a directorship of a thriving, active Institute. I could not have undertaken so much, while also making plans to add a new layer of citizenship-focused initiatives to the Bliss Institute's portfolio, without the enthusiastic support of everyone I have met.

I hope you will take a few minutes to read the report linked below and help us celebrate our accomplishments.

Annual Report


EVENTS

Akron Decides: May 2023 Post Election Poll

Registered voters in Akron were asked to share their thoughts and opinions about the recent election for the Mayor of Akron.  A full summary of the poll results can be found here.

John Green, director emeritus, presented the poll results at the Akron Press Club on June 5.

This poll was conducted by the CMOR, with special thanks to the following sponsors: Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Press Club, Akron NAACP, and Ohio Debate Commission.

Akron Decides: April 2023 Horse Race Poll Results

Registered Voters in Akron who described themselves as likely to vote were asked to share their thoughts and plans for voting in the upcoming May primary for the Mayor of Akron.  A full summary of the poll results can be found here.

This poll was conducted by the CMOR, with special thanks to the following sponsors: Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, Akron Beacon Journal, and Ideastream Public Media.

The Donald Trump Presidency: Legacy and Record

April 6-7, 2023, University of Mount Union 

This was an even-handed, non-partisan, and scholarly examination of the actions and consequences of the Donald J. Trump Presidency on the United States and world from a variety of perspectives.  

Keynote Address: Major Garrett, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent
Media Roundtable: Covering Trump and Trumpism

See past events

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 student, Anthony Madjerich, shares his internship experience with the Greater Akron Chamber. He is a junior Political Science major.


THE GREATER AKRON CIVILITY CENTER

Setting standards, providing resources, and working to create a culture of civility in the Greater Akron community.

Learn more


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 

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Bliss Institute News

Will the first 2024 presidential debate between Biden and Trump change the mind of Ohio voters?

Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, professor of political science and director, Ray. C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, is a guest on the Sound of Ideas discussing the first 2024 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump and whether their performance in the debate will change the minds of Ohio voters.