Supporting theSchool of Public Affairs

For 90 years and counting, the School of Public Affairs has been at the forefront of teaching and research that drive progress in policy, politics, criminology, terrorism and homeland security, legal studies, and public administration. Its dynamic portfolio of degree programs, centers and journals, and in-the-field learning opportunities—complete with unparalleled access to the nation's capital—epitomizes SPA’s legacy as one that looks forward. Through the Change Can’t Wait campaign, SPA has empowered students and faculty to translate policy research out into the world and chart careers as nimble leader-practitioners. In a moment of increasing polarization, SPA is protecting democratic institutions, advancing human rights, fostering civil discourse, and preparing students to be agents of change.

Change Created

Invested in top-of-field faculty scholars and practitioners through the creation of the Charles W. Fotis, Sr. and Dorothea G. Fotis Family Distinguished Professorship in Health Policy and the Faculty Retention Fund.
Fueled career readiness opportunities for students by providing unparalleled on-the-ground political communications training through the flagship Election Battleground course and pioneering sector-spanning skill toolkits at the SPA Analytics & Management Institute (SAMI) for the next generation of team leaders.
Amplified the reach of policy research across audiences through the Helfat Fund for Faculty Development Initiative to forge strategic partnerships with governments and organizations, host summits and events, and elevate the visibility of evidence-based research among key policy constituencies.
Advanced civil discourse and community resilience to foster understanding and combat hate, launching the nationally recognized Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) and furthering support for the Project for Civic Dialogue.
Generated accessible pathways for students through expanded scholarships, emergency funding for Eagles, first generation guides, and the Public Affairs and Policy Lab (PAPL) Fund which grants summer stipends for undergraduate students to engage in advanced research projects with faculty collaborators.

SPA is a home for those who ask tough questions and innovate evidence-based solutions. Change Can’t Wait represents an extraordinary coming-together in support of this culture of excellence. From health equity to extremism to democratic elections, we are creating and expanding vital opportunities for students and faculty to access institutional resources, collaborate across disciplines, and lead lives of social impact and positive change.

Alison Jacknowitz, Interim Dean, School of Public Affairs