Master of Public Administration (MPA)
John Rivers is a firefighter/paramedic and the Training Lieutenant for the Barrow County Fire Department. A U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, John brings over a decade of frontline public safety and leadership experience to the MPA program. He is passionate about strategic planning, crisis response, and building resilient communities through effective public administration.
Apr 2026
SPIA Ranked Among Top Public Affairs Schools
The School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia continues to rank among the leading institutions for public service education, earning top marks in both national and
Apr 2026
Piecing Together SPIA’s History: The Story Behind the Cover of the 25th Anniversary Magazine
This collage was created by Claire Scafidi, a third-year SPIA student from Kennesaw, Georgia, who is majoring in International Affairs, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Spanish, while also pursuing
Apr 2026
Leadership Rooted in Service: The Kemps’ Enduring Impact on Georgia
Public service is more than a profession. It is a calling. It demands courage in moments of uncertainty, clarity in times of crisis, and a belief that leadership is about
Apr 2026
Reta Jo Lewis: A Life of Purpose, A Legacy of Service
When Reta Jo Lewis (AB ’75) stepped onto the University of Georgia campus in the 1970s, she was one of only 500 Black students. Her journey to UGA and SPIA
MPA Program Informational Webinar
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
2026 George S. Parthemos Lecture
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
