A Legacy of Impact, Leadership, and Service

From its earliest roots in political science at the University of Georgia to its consistent recognition as a top-ranked graduate program for public affairs, the School of Public and International Affairs’ journey reflects vision, growth, and impact. This timeline captures the milestones that shaped our legacy—from the launch of groundbreaking programs and centers to national rankings, global partnerships, and award-winning students and faculty. Explore the journey that brought us here.

1921-1970 −+

(L to R) Merritt Pound, George S. Parthemos, R&B article announcing MPA Degree

1921–1923: Master’s degree program in Political Science is listed in UGA General Catalogue
1941: Department of Political Science becomes independent from History and Government; Merritt Pound (pictured above) is named first department head (1941–1962)
1964: George S. Parthemos (pictured above) named first Vice President at the University of Georgia
1966: Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs is listed in General Catalogue; Luster Doyle Mathis becomes first Ph.D. student (MA ’58)
1966: MPA program is approved (Red & Black article featured above)
1970: Dave Olson creates Legislative Internship Program

1971-1980 −+

(L to R) Baldwin Hall, Arrow, Fred Manget, Arrow, Red and Black Article announcing GLOBIS

1971: Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) appears in General Catalogue
1971: Department of Political Science moves to Baldwin Hall
1973: Fred Manget is named a Rhodes Scholar
1980: Globis is founded by Bill Chittick. Global Studies Certificate is approved.

1981-1990 −+

1985: First private fund is established to support Department of Political Science
1986: Inaugural Parthemos Lecture is held

From L to R: Picture of Gary Bertsch with Martin Hillenbrand; arrow; UGA President Chuck Knapp and US Senator Sam Nunn; arrow; Atlanta Constitution Article about CITS forming at UGA

1987: Center for International Trade and Security (CITS) is founded by Gary Bertsch and Martin Hillenbrand
1990: Political Science minor is approved

1991-2000 −+

1995: MPA program receives first USNWR ranking—6th overall
1998: Scott Hershovitz is a named Rhodes Scholar
1998: Loch Johnson convenes first SPIA working group, referred to as Coalition for a School of Public Affairs (COSPA)
1998: Partnership with CVIOG and South Korean government is established
2000: SPIA is featured in State of the University Address

2001-2005 −+

2001: SPIA is approved by Board of Regents
2002: Thomas Lauth is appointed first Dean of SPIA
2002: SPIA begins operations; advising office is established
2002: Department of Public Administration and Department of International Affairs are established
2002: SPIA begins with 34 full-time faculty members
2003: Renovations of Candler Hall are completed; it becomes home to Department of International Affairs, advising, and Dean’s Office
2003: Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs is approved. Enrolls first students (222 students)
2003: First $1M pledge to SPIA is booked to create the George D. Busbee Chair in Public Policy
2004: SPIA Board of Visitors created
2004: DPA becomes Ph.D. in Public Administration; all degrees are transferred
2004: SPIA total enrollment reaches 1,000 students

2006-2010 −+

2006: Inaugural Getzen Lecture on Government Accountability is held
2007: The Citizen, Volume 1, Issue 1, is published
2007: SPIA hosts three-day conference “The Carter Presidency: Lessons for the 21st Century,” featuring Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, former Vice President Walter Mondale and most living members of the Carter administration.
2008: MIP program is approved
2008: Kate Vyborny and Deep Shah are named Rhodes Scholars

2011-2015 −+

2011: SPIA Ambassador program is created
2012: SPIA hosts 10th Anniversary Event; Saxby Chambliss receives inaugural Distinguished Public Service Award
2012: SPIA Alumni Board of Directors created
2013: Elizabeth Allen is named a Rhodes Scholar
2013: Inaugural Georgia Legislative Outlook event is held
2013: Dean Lauth retires
2013: Stefanie Lindquist is named Dean
2014: Georgia General Assembly approves funds for Baldwin Hall annex to provide SPIA with more space
2015: Master of Public Management partnership with South Korean officials is launched
2015: Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Applied Politics is approved

2016-2020 −+

2016: SPIA celebrates MPA program’s 50th anniversary
2016: Public Policy & Management minor is approved
2016: Survey Research Center is established
2016: Inaugural We the People is published
2017: Baldwin Hall renovations are completed
2017: Department of Political Science celebrates 75th anniversary
2017: Matthew Auer is named Dean
2018: Massey Reading Room is dedicated
2019: University‑wide teaching and research honors bestowed on SPIA faculty surpasses 100
2019: Bachelor of Science in Political Science is approved
2019: Undergraduate Research Colloquium is launched
2020: 100th private fund is established to support SPIA
2020: International Affairs minor is approved

2021-2025 −+

2021: International Human Rights & Security minor is approved
2021: Data Analytics in Public Policy certificate is approved
2023: Natalie Navarrete is named a Rhodes Scholar
2024: Mariah Cady is named a Rhodes Scholar
2024: Areas of Emphasis are created in SPIA majors
2025: MPA maintains top ten ranking via USNWR for 30 years
2025: SPIA reaches 70+ full-time faculty members
2025: Applied History Certificate (in conjunction with Franklin) is approved
2025: SPIA receives largest current gift from the Robin and Ed Benson Foundation ($2M) to rename CITS to the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade & Security
2025: SPIA total enrollment reaches 2,000+ students
2025: Political Science becomes 5th most popular major on campus
2025: Pinnacle Room in Baldwin Hall is renamed in honor of Major General Arnold L. Punaro

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A Legacy of Impact, Leadership, and Service

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