The Department of Public Administration and Policy is a world leader in preparing students for managerial and policy analyst careers in public service and nonprofit organizations, as well as for careers in academia, while emphasizing the values of ethics and accountability. The department is ranked among the top ten highest ranked masters programs in public affairs in the nation, according to US News & World Report.
Faculty members in the department include five members of the National Academy of Public Administration, a Congressionally-charted organization, as well as the current President of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration, the accrediting organization for programs in public administration. Alumni of the department’s degree programs are leaders in public and nonprofit affairs, in universities, and in top research centers both in the US and internationally. The department’s work and activities reach six continents and addresses issues of governance at every level.
With offices in Baldwin Hall, the Department of Public Administration and Policy includes 15 faculty members and over 160 graduate students.
Partnerships
We continue to enhance our relationship with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, co-sponsor of our MPA Program and an important partner with us in building excellence in public service in Georgia, across the country, and now around the world.
Student Organizations & Professional Groups
GEORGIA STUDENTS FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (GSPA)
The Georgia Students for Public Administration (GSPA) strive to help all students of public administration and policy at the University of Georgia build social and academic networks during and after their tenure at the University. By fostering friendship and by integrating socially and academically our diverse student body, we hope to encourage students not just to learn their chosen profession but also to form lasting bonds with their peers, faculty, staff, and community
GSPA Officers (2022-2023)
Magall Abajobir, President
Brian Ulbricht, Treasurer
Faculty advisor: Dr. Bradley Wright
Stay up to date with what’s going on with GSPA and more ways to get involved on their Facebook page. For questions contact: gspa.execboard@gmail.com
UGA International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
The University of Georgia is proud to host a local student chapter of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. ICMA is the leading organization of local government professionals dedicated to creating and sustaining thriving communities throughout the world. UGA’s ICMA Student Chapter charges no annual dues and is open to any student who would like to pursue their interest in local government.
The purpose of this organization is to:
- Introduce and integrate students to the local government management profession.
- Familiarize students with ICMA, the premier local government management association, its members, resources, and policies.
- Establish connections between local government management theories, practices, and applications through tangible and actual examples.
- Cultivate a learning community where members actively share experiences and learn from one another.
- Provide resources and opportunities for students to increase their professional knowledge with local government practitioners.
ICMA Officers (2022-2023)
Kati Tanner, President
Justin Mullis, Finance Chair
Harshika Mehta, Events Co-Chair
Erin Twomey, Events Co-Chair
Katherine Monroy, Communications Chair
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Eric Zeemering
2023 Fall Meetings:
TBA
You can follow the UGA Chapter of ICMA on Facebook or on Instagram.
For questions contact: kathryn.tanner@uga.edu
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) – University of Georgia Chapter
The UGA Student Chapter of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is devoted to providing professional development opportunities to students interested in public finance. Members will have the opportunity to meet, connect, and network with field practitioners and other students pursuing careers in public finance.
GFOA Chapter Officers (2022-2023)
Rebekah Lankford, President
Madeline Morris, Vice President
Faculty Advisers
Tracy Arner, Financial Management Program Manager – Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Katherine Willoughby, Golembiewski Professor of Public Administration
2022 Fall Meetings
Meetings will be conducted on select Thursdays via Zoom
Learn more about GFOA at their website https://www.gfoa.org/
For questions or event information, please contact Rebekah Branch at
krb03149@uga.edu
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) at UGA
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) at UGA is dedicated to activating the next generation of emerging leaders in the social sector who are currently students at the University of Georgia to fulfill our vision of stronger communities supported by a diverse and powerful social sector. Through networking, volunteering, general meetings, speaker series, and various other opportunities we connect our members to professionals in the social sector and their organizations.
YNPN Officers 2021-2022
Adrianna Watson, President
Francis Oliver, Vice President
Tatmeen Khimani, Treasurer
Christina Joseph, Social Media Coordinator
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Nesbit
Stay up to date with what’s going on with YNPN at UGA on their Instagram page. New Members fill the membership form. To sign-up for YNPN upcoming events, visit the events registration page.
Contact YNPN via email at: ynpn@uga.edu
Pi Alpha Alpha
Pi Alpha Alpha is the national honor society for public administration students, administered by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.
Eligibility criteria for MPA and PhD students:
- Have maintained a GPA of at least 3.7
- Have completed at least fifty percent of the required course work (a minimum of 18 semester hours)
Eligible students are notified each January in advance of a spring induction ceremony.
Pi Alpha Alpha Officers
Olivia Ammons , 2021/2022 president
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Eric Zeemering
For questions about Pi Alpha Alpha, please contact faculty adviser, Dr. Eric Zeemering at eric.zeemering@uga.edu
SPIA Honor Society of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
The SPIA Honor Society of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity is a student organization that is open to both undergraduate and graduate students! We plan on hosting a speaker series, professional development workshops, and create a mentorship program. This is an all student-led organization that will not be treated as a solution for the racist and problematic behavior of the university or SPIA. Instead, our mission is to be an on-going vehicle for change that students and faculty can come together for a better student body. Please use the link below to follow all our social media platforms!
linktree: https://linktr.ee/SPIADiversity
DOCTORAL STUDENTS FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
DSPA is a professional group that organizes and coordinates social and professional opportunities for Public Administration and Policy PhD students.
DSPA Officers (2020-2021)
Brianna Yoder, President
For more information, please contact Brianna Yoder brianna.yoder16@gmail.com
SPIA GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Graduate Student Association at the School of Public & International Affairs (SPIA GSA) is primarily concerned with the interests and representation of graduate students across all departments at SPIA. We are a collective of students from Political Science, International Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration who are invested in collaboration across departments. Our activities include bringing in experts to share with all students and faculty at SPIA, surveying student interests and elevating graduate student voices in SPIA decision-making processes, and organizing social events to promote inclusivity at SPIA.
Contact: spiagsa@gmail.com
Contact Us
Got questions? Send us an email and we’ll get back to you with answers as soon as possible! You can also contact us at 706-542-9660. For academic advisement questions, please call 706-542-2961.
Contact information for the Department of Public Administration and Policy is listed below. For information relating to the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) including the Dean’s office, development, alumni relations, public relations and media inquiries and IT support, please email spia@uga.edu.
MAILING ADDRESS
Department of Public Administration and Policy
School of Public and International Affairs
The University of Georgia
204 Baldwin Hall,
355 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602
Phone: 706-542-9660
Fax: 706-583-0610
MPA AND PHD ADMISSIONS
Department of Public Administration and Policy
Attn: Admissions Office
204 Baldwin Hall
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-1615
Telephone: 706-542-9660
Fax: 706-583-0610
DEPARTMENT HEAD OFFICE
Dr. Bradley Wright
Department of Public Administration & Policy
The University of Georgia
204B Baldwin Hall
355 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602-1615
Telephone:
Fax: 706-583-0610
bew@uga.edu
Rebecca Blakeney
Administrative Specialist
Baldwin Hall 204D
rebecca.blakeney@uga.edu
706-542-9660
PROGRAM DIRECTORS & COORDINATORS
MPA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dr. Eric Zeemering
Department of Public Administration & Policy
The University of Georgia
202A Baldwin Hall
355 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602-1615
Telephone: 706-542-2970
Fax: 706-583-0610
eric.zeemering@uga.edu
MPA ADVISOR
Robert Hines
Baldwin Hall 203A
rhines57@uga.edu
706-542-2961
MPA CAREER SERVICES AND RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR
Aaron Redman
Department of Public Administration & Policy
The University of Georgia
204C Baldwin Hall
355 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602-1615
Telephone: 706-542-9583
Fax: 706-583-0610
Email: aredman@uga.edu
PHD PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dr. Katherine Willoughby
Department of Public Administration & Policy
The University of Georgia
201B Baldwin Hall
355 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602-1615
kwilloughby@uga.edu
ENROLLED STUDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Kristin Lawrence
Baldwin Hall 104D
krabney@uga.edu
Telephone: (706) 542-3510
