About the Department -

The Department of Public Administration and Policy is a world leader in preparing students for managerial and policy analyst careers in public service and in nonprofit organizations, as well as for careers in academia, while emphasizing the values of ethics and accountability. The department is home to the #5 ranked masters program in public affairs 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

Sierra Francois, President | Social Chair
Christina Rudolph, Treasurer
Emily Stone, Secretary
Elizabeth Griffin, Professional Development Chair
Theresa Vencill, Policy Competition Chair

Stay up to date with what’s going on with GSPA and more ways to get involved on their Facebook page.

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 management.

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

Philippa Hawker, President
Julia Aman, Finance Chair
Autumn Natasha Stills (Tasha), Events Chair
Joshua Warren, Communications Chair

You can fallow the UGA Chapter of ICMA on Facebook.

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

Sarah Courtney, 2019/20 president
Dr. Eric Zeemering, faculty adviser

For questions about Pi Alpha Alpha, please contact faculty adviser, Dr. Eric Zeemering at eric.zeemering@uga.edu

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

Brianna Yoder, President

For more information, please contact Brianna Yoder brianna.yoder16@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

Meredith Dewald
Business Manager
Baldwin Hall 204D
mdewald@uga.edu
706-542-1765

Rebecca Blakeney
Administrative Specialist
Baldwin Hall 204
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

Andrew Grandage
Baldwin Hall 203A
andrew.grandage25@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. Edward Kellough
Department of Public Administration & Policy
The University of Georgia
207 Baldwin Hall
355 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602-1615

Telephone: 706-542-0488
Fax: 706-583-0610
kellough@uga.edu