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.

Add to Calendar

CESPA

Degree Programs
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Living Alumni

SPIA 25th Anniversary Awards

The following awards will be presented at the SPIA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026:

Distinguished Public Service Award
−+

The SPIA Distinguished Public Service Award is a prestigious honor awarded to 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.

Alumni Impact Awards
−+

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.

(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

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!

Due to an unexpected adjustment to the UGA academic calendar, the SPIA 25th Anniversary Celebration—originally planned for March 13, 2026—has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 25, 2026, to avoid coinciding with the university’s spring break. 

When:
Saturday, April 25, 2026

Where:
Georgia Center for Continuing Education
Athens, GA

Add to Calendar

The Latest News from SPIA

View all News >

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

Sean Manning Named 2025 Scoville Peace Fellow

Jun 2025

Sean Manning Named 2025 Scoville Peace Fellow

University of Georgia graduate Sean Manning (AB ’25) has been awarded the prestigious Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship for fall 2025. Since 1987, the Scoville Fellowship has supported emerging professionals

Jun 2025

Introducing Ryan Powers – Director of the Benson-Bertsch Center

The School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia is proud to announce that Ryan Powers has been appointed the new Director of the Benson-Bertsch Center for

June 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Rhiannon Eades

Jun 2025

June 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Rhiannon Eades

Congratulations to Rhiannon Eades for being selected as June MPA Student of the Month! Rhiannon Eades serves as a public relations coordinator at the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute

Join us for an Event

View all Events >

Jul 2
Summer Semester 2025 – Short Session I – Classes End

All Day

Jul 2
Summer Semester 2025 – Thru Term – Midterm

All Day

Jul 2
Summer Semester 2025 – Thru Term – Withdrawal Deadline

All Day