Becoming a Public Intellectual: A Blueprint for Academics Writing Op-Eds

Hosted by Dr. Chris Malone

Writing for a general audience is fundamentally different from academic writing—and, for many scholars, even more challenging. Yet public-facing writing plays a critical role in connecting the work of academia to the civic values of a democratic society, particularly the need for an informed public.

This interactive workshop focuses on how faculty can translate their research, expertise, and ideas into compelling op-eds and opinion pieces for broad public audiences. Participants will be introduced to the core elements of effective op-ed writing—argument, voice, structure, and timeliness—and learn how to frame scholarly insights in ways that resonate beyond the academy.

The session is highly participatory. Participants are encouraged to come with an idea for an op-ed—fully developed, loosely outlined, or still forming—and will spend much of the session actively refining it with peer and facilitator feedback. Faculty and staff from all disciplines and professional backgrounds are welcome.