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The Center of the American West serves as a forum committed to the civil, respectful, and problem-solving exploration of important and often contentious public issues. In an era of political polarization and contention, the Center strives to bring out “the better angels of our nature” by appealing to our common loyalties and hopes as Westerners.
The Center of the American West, as part of its mission to increase awareness and knowledge about a variety of issues we face as Westerners, hosts a number of public events every year. We offer film screenings, panel discussions, public readings, and much more.
Come join us; we have something to offer everyone!
Our aim is to help our students become discerning citizens and leaders in any of the fields that they may explore in their futures. We also work to provide community – a hub where students on a large campus can feel at home. To this end we sponsor a wide range of opportunities, inviting students to venture beyond classrooms and textbooks and to interact with leading scholars, writers, public servants, and faculty members. Come on in and take a look at our offerings. You won’t be disappointed.
Through a series of courses, projects, networking events and summer programs, graduate students, postdoctoral students and faculty will combine their historical knowledge with practical skills. Under the guidance of mentors, participants will craft responses to recurring issues in the West, including wildfires, natural resource management and the challenges and opportunities facing native peoples.
The Center of the American West works on issues as diverse as the West itself. From energy to immigration, government to development, water to wildfire, and much more, you’ll find all our projects and publications in this section.
The Center of the American West sponsors an award for the best paper by a Colorado student on a topic in Western American History, and Center staff are involved with regional and state-level competitions.
