Last year, our SPIA Alumni Board hosted their annual speaker series featuring four sessions of experts that provided SPIA students, faculty, and alumni the opportunity to learn about issues of the day.

Session 1: “Crime, Politics, and Policy” with Greg Bluestein (AB’04) of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Dr. Charles S. Bullock III of UGA SPIA, and Joseph “Jack” Lumpkin of Dekalb County. Moderator: Dr. Susan B. Haire.

Session 2: “The 2020 U.S. Census & Redistricting in Georgia” with Robin Pennington (AB ’85) of the U.S. Census Bureau and Dr. Charles S. Bullock III of UGA SPIA.

Session 3: “Environmental Policy: Issues and Solutions” with Dr. Margaret Reams (MA ’84, PhD ’90) of Louisiana State University & Dr. Amy Fletcher (MA ’91, PhD ’97) at the University of Canterbury. Moderator: Dean Matthew Auer.

Session 4: “Effects of the 2022 Legislative Session on Georgia’s Economic Recovery” with Caroline Davis (MPA ’18) with the City of Sandy Springs, Scott Hilton of SouthState Bank, Josh Stephens (BS ’09) at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Nick Fernandez (AB ’18) of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Moderator: Dean Matthew Auer.