ABERDEEN, S.D. –?Northern State University will welcome No. 1 New York Times-bestselling author, award-winning educator, founder and philanthropist Sharon McMahon as the keynote speaker for the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family?Common Read?Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Sharon McMahon is a longtime government and law teacher who provides daily insights on current events, political misinformation, the history and function of the U.S. government, and ways to support democracy.
“I’m excited that The Small and the Mighty has been selected as Northern State University’s next Common Read. Showcasing the everyday Americans whose actions shaped the course of our nation’s history, the book encourages reflection on perseverance, empathy, and the shared responsibility to do the next needed thing—something we all need to be reminded of, especially right now,” said Sharon McMahon.
“We are honored to invite Sharon McMahon to Northern for this year’s Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. “Her remarkable ability to make complex civic and historical topics accessible and inspiring aligns perfectly with the goals of the Common Read program.”
McMahon, known as “America’s Government Teacher,” transitioned from public school government and law educator to nationally recognized author and podcast host. She simplifies contemporary civic issues and historical context for millions online, helping audiences replace confusion with clarity and division with understanding.
She is the author of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling book The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, which highlights inspiring stories of ordinary people whose courage and action forged meaningful change. McMahon also hosts the award-winning podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, where she brings history and civics to life with compelling narratives and interviews.
In addition to her educational work, McMahon is a respected voice in combating misinformation, fostering civil discourse, and empowering citizens to understand and engage with democratic processes.
The Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture offers attendees the opportunity to hear McMahon share her insights on civic engagement, storytelling, and the power of ordinary people to shape history. A Q&A will follow.
Copies of "The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History" are available for purchase for $18 (tax included) at the NSU Wolf Shoppe, located on the first floor of the Student Center.
For more information, contact Dr. Hannah Walters at hannah.walters@northern.edu
About the Northern State University’s Common Read
Now in its 17th year, the Common Read is Northern State University’s largest academic event, promoting intellectual growth and meaningful dialogue within the campus and Aberdeen community. The Common Read culminates with the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Lecture, funded in part by the Poeppel Family Endowment with additional support from the Marlene and Clayton Olson Endowment. The NSU Honors Program thanks all of the donors and supporters who help make the Common Read program successful.