OREM, Utah – Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Our Better Selves for a Better America initiative and Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s Disagree Better initiative will host Julia Minson, Ph.D., professor of public policy at Harvard Kennedy School, founder of Disagreeing Better, LLC, and author of “How to Disagree Better,” for a discussion on how we can thoughtfully engage across differences.
“At a time when conversations can easily fracture, Dr. Minson offers clear, practical strategies for remaining curious, connected, and constructive — even amid disagreement,” said Wioleta Fedeczko, UVU associate provost and academic chief of staff. “Attendees will have the opportunity to learn evidence‑based communication skills from Dr. Minson and engage with others who are committed to strengthening civil discourse.”
As a decision scientist, Minson focuses on conflict management, negotiation, and judgment and decision‑making, with a primary emphasis on the psychology of disagreement. Much of her work is conducted in collaboration with graduate and postdoctoral scholars in the Constructive Disagreement Lab (CDL). She is also the founder of the Constructive Disagreement Project, an initiative dedicated to sharing cutting‑edge research and developing practical interventions for professionals in government, education, healthcare, and the media.
UVU’s Our Better Selves for a Better America is a university-wide initiative designed to foster peaceful disagreement, productive conversations, and civic responsibility. The initiative aims to equip students with the intellectual tools and practical skills needed to navigate conflict without violence.
Governor Cox’s Disagree Better initiative calls on leaders from both political parties to engage one another with respect, genuine curiosity, and reflect the best of who we are. Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert will attend on behalf of the governor’s office.
For additional information, please visit //uvu.edu/ourbetterselves.
About Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University believes in the power and potential of every student. Our work is guided by a commitment to exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. We provide a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. From certificates to master’s degrees, UVU offers flexible, relevant programs grounded in hands-on learning and real-world experiences, ensuring that students graduate with career-ready skills and are ready to receive a strong return on investment. As an open-enrollment university, we invite students to come as they are, and they leave prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.
