These may be complicated questions to answer—but why the Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service, established in 2011 at the University of Hartford, bears the name of Connecticut's 67th governor is easy.
Rell, as anyone who knew her, worked with her, or reported on her career would attest, was a passionate advocate for accountability in government, integrity in public service, and responsibility for those who participate in public life. Arguably, there is no better public servant to help found an institution to promote public service, transparency in government, civic engagement, and civility in politics.
"One of the greatest challenges we face in this nation is engaging people in meaningful civic conversations during a time of deep political polarization and growing distrust in many of our institutions," says Sarah Miner, an associate professor of communication who became the director of the Rell Center this year. "Even on a college campus, where the free exchange of ideas should thrive, it can be difficult to create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing different viewpoints, asking difficult questions, and listening to perspectives that differ from their own. At the Rell Center, we approach that challenge by leading with respect, curiosity, and empathy."
In her role as director, Miner oversees programming, helps build strategic partnerships, supports fundraising efforts, and creates opportunities for civic engagement on and off campus—including National Voter Registration Day, to be held in UHart's Gengras Student Center next month. The Center will partner with campus and community organizations for the event, which Miner sees as an opportunity for education and conversations around civic engagement. "Our goal is not just to help students register, but to encourage a deeper understanding of why participation in democracy matters," she says. Also in the works is a Civility Summit to be hosted by the Capitol Region Council of Governments at Town Hall in West Hartford.
Sarah Miner, Director of the Rell Center; Associate Professor of CommunicationEven on a college campus, where the free exchange of ideas should thrive, it can be difficult to create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing different viewpoints, asking difficult questions, and listening to perspectives that differ from their own. At the Rell Center, we approach that challenge by leading with respect, curiosity, and empathy.
Rell, who served as governor from 2004 to 2011, died in November 2024. Earlier this year, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of its founding, the Rell Center sponsored an event at Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's residence to celebrate the legacy of the late Governor Rell. Her son, Michael Rell, chair of the Rell Center's Board of Directors, was among the honored guests. "Our Center's greatest opportunity is reaching out to the public about serving through elected and appointed positions, and promoting civility and decorum in public service," he said. "Our greatest challenge is overcoming the negative stigma that has become so closely associated with serving in public office."
The event at Lamont's residence also marked the launch of The Legacy Fund at the University of Hartford, designed specifically to further the Center’s mission.
Katharine Owens, the former director of the Center and professor of politics, economics, and international studies, recalls a similar event in 2023, when UHart hosted Lamont and Jodi Rell. Owens says it was particularly fun, highlighting the fact that politics does not have to be frustrating or nasty. "We also held 'civility in politics' training sessions for members of the general assembly and ran campus events like debate-watching parties during the election season to encourage students to think about and get engaged in the political process," Owens recalls.
Encouraging students to get involved is a key part of the Center’s mission. “A significant part of my job is to find meaningful ways to connect students with public service and help them understand that civic engagement extends far beyond voting,” Miner says. “It includes listening, serving, leading, and participating in their communities."