Elizabeth Bennion was raised in a household that valued and taught civic engagement and those values have guided her career. Her teaching, research, and service show her commitment to building bonds between disparate voices, encouraging compromise, and fighting against apathy, hopelessness, and cynicism.

She is an active and willing faculty citizen and student club advisor, and is the founding director of IU South Bend’s American Democracy Project. She’s widely published and hosts a weekly public affairs television show. But more important to her than the numerous awards and accolades from peers and organizations that she’s received is what her students say about how she teaches them, inspires them.

Student descriptions of Professor Bennion range from master of material and an expert who is committed, devoted, informative, and focused to someone who knows her students and is respectful, positive, supportive, and engaging. She mentors and empowers students and is focused on their success.