Awards

Recognized by the Civic Engagement Section of the American Political Science Association for excellence in civic engagement leadership

Chapman Rackaway's work to embed civic engagement into curriculum and programming far

predates the section. Those who know him well know that this work has been a priority

throughout his career, not only as a faculty member but as a chair and administrator. The

committee was delighted to see this work come to fruition in a number of impressive ways. This

includes Dr. Rackaway's dedicated leadership in AASCU's American Democracy Project, as well

as his determined efforts to relaunch the eJournal of Public Affairs — which provides an

important outlet for teacher-scholars in our field. We were most impressed in the details his

colleagues have shared about a new statewide initiative in Virginia, which brings college

students from across the state to Richmond, where an immersive legislative experience surely

increases not only civic knowledge but an array of essential civic skills. His efforts to co-found

and institutionalize this initiative are truly impressive and represent the type of work the section

was founded to highlight. For all of these reasons, the committee is delighted to award this year's

section award to our worthy colleague, mentor, and friend — Dr. Chapman Rackaway.

2026 OUTSTANDING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECT AWARD CITATION

APSA Civic Engagement Section

Dr. Amanda Wintersieck, Virginia Commonwealth University

Dr. Chapman Rackaway, Radford University

The Virginia Government Simulation (VGS) exemplifies outstanding civic engagement by moving

undergraduate political learning beyond the classroom and into an immersive, experiential

environment where students actively practice democratic governance. By placing participants in the

roles of legislators, party leaders, journalists, and executive officials, the program requires them to

engage directly with the full legislative process (e.g., researching policy, negotiating across

differences, drafting and amending bills, and debating on the floor.) This hands-on structure fosters

not only a deeper understanding of how state government functions, but also the practical civic

skills of evidence-based argumentation, compromise, and political communication that are essential

for meaningful participation in democratic life.

The VGS also stands out for its scale, inclusivity, and demonstrated impact across Virginia’s higher

education landscape. Bringing together students from a wide range of institutions and backgrounds

(including community colleges and major research universities) , the program creates a uniquely

collaborative civic space that mirrors the diversity of real-world governance. Its integration of

faculty-led research, including pre/post assessment and published findings on career readiness,

further elevates the simulation as a model of engaged scholarship. By combining experiential

learning, statewide collaboration, and measurable educational outcomes, the VGS not only

strengthens student understanding of government but also cultivates a more informed, capable, and

civically engaged citizenry

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