Dr. Quentin Kidd and the CNU Center for Public Policy

As he helps to inform Virginians about pressing public policy issues, Dr. Quentin Kidd, associate professor of government, has garnered national attention through the CNU Center for Public Policy. Thanks to his endeavors, CNU students actively participate in published research aimed at improving Virginia's democratic process.

"In Virginia over the last six years, public debate on issues like transportation and education has not been well informed," said Dr. Kidd. The goal of the CNU Center for Public Policy, therefore, is to provide nonpartisan information to legislators, leaders and citizens regarding such issues. Dr. Kidd believes the Center's findings will increase public discourse and enable leaders in the commonwealth to make more informed decisions.

With the help of CNU senior and research assistant Erin Phillips, Dr. Kidd has created and implemented various surveys designed to discern what Virginians think about public issues. The surveys, formulated at CNU, are conducted by a telephone polling firm, ensuring accurate and nonpartisan results. Survey findings have been published in The Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Washington Post, and they have also been broadcast on the ABC National News Network, bringing CNU national recognition.

Polls conducted have included The Richmond City Poll, which discerned how residents of Virginia 's capital city feel about changes in local government leadership, and The Virginia Poll, which has covered such topics as budget shortfalls, voter satisfaction, transportation, public education, illegal immigration and public safety. Findings are then released to the media, the general public, the academic community and Virginia's state government to highlight how citizens feel about pressing policy issues.

As part of his vision for the Center, Dr. Kidd feels an increase in freely circulated information about public issues will lead to improved democracy and governance. “I see the Center first as a public service to Virginia," he said. “It gives CNU students the opportunity to take part in important, relevant research." The Center also holds the distinction of being the only nonpartisan organization of its kind in Virginia, fulfilling a need for both citizens and leaders to be more informed about important issues.

Dr. Kidd is just one of many CNU professors who believe public service and student involvement in research will produce extraordinary results both on campus and throughout Virginia.

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