What do we do?
As a PRESIDENTIAL STUDIES center, Hauenstein Center programming routinely welcomes authors, historians, and presidential scholars to our stage to share their research and works. Programs include discussions on presidential history, our democracy, and celebrations of national holidays like Constitution Day, Veterans Day, and Presidents’ Day.
Since 2004, the PETER C. COOK LEADERSHIP ACADEMY has instilled leadership excellence in a select group of undergraduate and graduate students across the institution. The program is co-curricular and cross-disciplinary, offering our student fellow candidates unique opportunities for reflection, engagement, and learning with and from a diverse cohort of their peers throughout the academic year. Candidates are admitted to the Cook Leadership Academy for one or more years. Each applicant must meet the criteria of high academic achievement, active involvement in the campus community, dedication to the public good, a passion to lead, and a commitment to personal growth.
The COMMON GROUND INITIATIVE is West Michigan’s premier forum for the promotion of civic engagement and intellectual curiosity on the issues facing our region, nation, and world. The Common Ground Event Series invites leaders and scholars to engage in dialogue across political and ideological divides and model the common ground approach for our community.
September 3, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Historian, journalist, and author Garrett Graff joins the Hauenstein Center to discuss two major oral histories about the major turning points of World War II: the D-Day invasion of Europe...
Have you ever listened to a podcast, watched or attended a lecture, read a book/article and wanted to bring the speaker/conversation to your community? Now’s your chance! The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies wants your input on potential speakers, topics, and programs. We’re serious, we want to hear your ideas!
Interested in learning more about The Hauenstein Center, our upcoming events and more? Join our mailing and email list!
Since 2004, the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy has nurtured and developed attributes centered around leadership, public service and personal growth in its student fellows.
Apr 25, 2025
The Hauenstein Center's Scholar-in-Residence, Nicole Hemmer, said the 1970s were the high-water mark for presidential oversight.
Feb 18, 2025
LaTosha Brown, Dar Mayweather and Joe Jones will give keynote presentations throughout the week of January 20.
Jan 14, 2025
