University of Georgia

A Generation of Impact

For a quarter of a century, the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Georgia has been at the forefront of shaping future leaders, advancing scholarship, and driving meaningful change in communities near and far. Since its founding, SPIA has remained committed to excellence in teaching, research, and public service, empowering students to engage with the most pressing challenges of our time. As we mark this milestone anniversary, we reflect on our rich history, honor the faculty, alumni, and supporters who have contributed to our success, and look ahead to the next era of impact. Join us as we celebrate 25 years of SPIA—our legacy, our progress, and our future.

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Award Nominations

We are pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the following awards. These awards will be presented at the 25th Celebration event on March 13, 2026. Please see below for more information:

Distinguished Public Service Award
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We are seeking nominations for the SPIA Distinguished Public Service Award. This prestigious award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service, governance, policy, or civic leadership.

Nominees should have demonstrated:

  • Public Service Contributions
  • Connection to Georgia
  • Leadership and Ethical Standards
  • Recognition and Influence

Note: Nominees are not required to be graduates of UGA or SPIA. Self-nominations are not permitted.

Use the form below to make your nominations. Each nomination requires:

  • Nominee Name, Organization, Title, Email Address
  • Brief Description of the Nominee’s Contributions and Impact

Distinguished Public Service Award Nomination

Nomination Deadline: May 10, 2025

*Award nomination forms are not compatible with Safari. We recommend using Google Chrome for the best experience.

Alumni Impact Awards
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SPIA Alumni Impact Awards recognize outstanding graduates from each of SPIA’s degree areas—international affairs, political science, public administration & policy, and criminal justice—who have made significant contributions in their fields and exemplify leadership, innovation, and service. These awards are open to all graduates with a degree from a department housed in SPIA, regardless of whether they earned their degree before or after SPIA’s founding in 2001.

We invite you to nominate distinguished graduates who are shaping policy, driving change, and making a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

We encourage nominations from peers, colleagues, and mentors who recognize the outstanding work of SPIA alumni. Self-nominations are not permitted.

(1) Alumni Impact Award will be granted to a person for each of SPIA’s four degree areas: international affairs, political science, public administration & policy, and criminal justice,

Use the form below to make your nominations. Each nomination requires:

  • Nominee Name, Organization, Title, Email Address
  • Brief Description of Their Contributions and Impact
  • Supporting Documents (to be submitted by nominee)

Alumni Impact Award Nomination

Nomination Deadline: May 10, 2025

*Award nomination forms are not compatible with Safari. We recommend using Google Chrome for the best experience.

SPIA 25th Anniversary Celebration

This special one-day event, held on campus in Athens, Georgia, will feature a panel session showcasing distinguished alumni from each department, followed by a dinner and awards ceremony honoring the achievements of our faculty, alumni, and key supporters. As we reflect on the School’s remarkable journey, we also look forward to an even brighter future—one that we can build together. Your presence and support will help us continue our mission and ensure SPIA’s legacy for generations to come. We hope to see you there!

When:
Friday, March 13, 2026

Where:
Georgia Center for Continuing Education
Athens, GA

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The Latest News from SPIA

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Innovative Classrooms, Lasting Impact: Active Learning at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs

Mar 2025

Innovative Classrooms, Lasting Impact: Active Learning at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs

by Caroline Paczkowski At the University of Georgia, a new wave of teaching is redefining the classroom experience. Professors are setting aside traditional lectures to embrace active learning, an approach

UGA senior named a 2025 Truman Scholar

May 2025

UGA senior named a 2025 Truman Scholar

International affairs and Russian undergraduate among 54 students chosen for scholarship nationwide.

May 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Lauren Brenneman

May 2025

May 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Lauren Brenneman

Congratulations to Lauren Brenneman for being selected as May MPA Student of the Month! Lauren Brenneman is a committed public servant and lifelong learner who brings both passion and purpose

Georgia’s pre-K program boosts kindergarten readiness

Apr 2025

Georgia’s pre-K program boosts kindergarten readiness

Children who attend school-based sites in Georgia’s universal pre-K program start kindergarten better prepared than their peers who do not attend any Georgia pre-K, according to a new study from the University of

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Summer Semester 2025 – May Session – Withdrawal Deadline

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Summer Semester 2025 – May Session – Midterm

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