By Stefanie A. Lindquist

Many of our students and several faculty members are abroad studying in South Africa, Italy, China and Japan.  Meanwhile, in the Dean’s Office, we are looking back at a busy year and forward to future successes.  Among last year’s highlights: (1) funding from the Georgia State Legislature for the renovation of and a new annex to Baldwin Hall, (2) the initiation of a strategic planning exercise at SPIA, (3) the hiring of several new faculty members, including a new head for the Department of Public Administration and Policy (Brad Wright), and (4) our new website.  We’re making strides in providing new and enhanced programming in all our departments, in pursuing exciting new projects in China through the Center for International Trade and Security, and in securing resources to support faculty and students from our generous donors.  We thank our Board of Visitors, Alumni Board, and our wonderfully supportive alumni network for all their hard work over the last year to assist us in making SPIA great.

Visit us on the SPIA Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!  We’ll keep you posted on new ideas from SPIA, and on the impressive successes of our students, faculty and alumni.  And enjoy the summer.  Flowers are abloom in Athens as spring showers have produced a beautiful garden on the campus.

My best, Stefanie Lindquist