The Center for the Study of Democratic Politics hosted the 115th Congress Stennis Congressional Staff Fellows in a series of roundtable sessions on April 20-21, 2018. These roundtables addressed the theme of Meeting the Legislative Branch Leadership Challenge in an Era of Mistrust, Disinformation, and Miscommunication.

Cecilia Rouse, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School, addressed the Congressional Staff Fellows and Woodrow Wilson School MPA and MPP students as the keynote speaker at dinner. 

Each roundtable session was co-chaired by Stennis fellows, and roundtable speakers included Professors Brandice Canes-Wrone, Nolan McCarty, Julian Zelizer, and Andrew Guess. These CSDP faculty associates were joined by Lee Rainie, Director of Internet and Technology at the Pew Research Center.

The John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership was established by Congress as a living tribute to the public service career of John C. Stennis who served in the United States Senate over 41 years. The center was created by Public Law 100-458, October 1, 1988, and is codified in the United States Code under Title 2-The Congress, Chapter 22. The Stennis Center develops and delivers a portfolio of unique programs for young people, leaders in local, state and federal government and congressional staff. The Stennis Fellows Program is a practical, bipartisan leadership development experience for senior-level staff of the United States Congress. Established in the 103rd Congress (1993-1994), the Stennis Fellows Program brings together chiefs of staff, committee staff directors, legislative directors, and others to explore ways to improve the effectiveness of those who work on Capitol Hill.