December 6, 2023
Events co-led by Professor encourage understanding and compassion amid conflict
As the Israel-Hamas war nears its two-month mark, an upswing in anger, protests, and divisive rhetoric has been evident in cities and on college campuses across the United States. Here at Pitt, two professors with religious and cultural backgrounds on opposite sides of the conflict are looking to fight against this division with events designed to foster a culture of understanding and compassion among students and faculty.
December 1, 2023
Remembering and honoring the legacy of LaVonne Johnson, MPA '80
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of LaVonne Johnson, an alumna (MPA ‘80), benefactor, and friend of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). LaVonne demonstrated a passion for public service throughout her life, and she credited her GSPIA education for preparing her and empowering her with a sense of purpose and mission. She also believed that young people could make a difference in tackling the world’s greatest challenges and wanted to use her philanthropy to help prepare them to do so. In the late 1990s, LaVonne and her husband Glen expressed…
November 27, 2023
Ford Institute marks anniversary with launch of new research program on online violence against women in politics
The Ford Institute for Human Security at the University of Pittsburgh recently celebrated its 20thanniversary with an event launching its new research program, “Online Violence Against Women in Politics.” The kickoff event, held on campus last month, featured a keynote speaker and panel discussion.
November 20, 2023
Grads host Government Accountability Office (GAO) information session for current students
It’s always a great day when we welcome our alumni back to Posvar Hall. Josh Timko (MPIA ’21), Mairé Gebhard (MPIA ’22), Mario Tiberie (MPIA ’22), and Matt Whalen (MID ’20) work as analysts at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and returned to campus to host an information session about the agency.
November 18, 2023
In memoriam: Seth Hufford
We're saddened to share the news of the passing of Seth Hufford, an alumnus, dedicated volunteer and inspiring nonprofit leader. His obituary, included below and originally shared by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on November 18th, highlights his incredible impact and life. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and former classmates.
Obituary: Seth Hufford helped guide corporate and nonprofit leaders
Aug. 31, 1974 — Nov. 4, 2023
November 6, 2023
Alumni Feature: A lifelong Pitt friendship forged on and off the field
When Austin Ransom (MPA '09) came to the University of Pittsburgh in 2004, he thought his football days were behind him. Despite a strong high school career in western New York, Ransom had no plans to play for the Panthers when he arrived in Oakland. But it didn’t take long for him to feel like something was missing.
November 2, 2023
Current Public Policy & Management student selected for the Medicaid Pathways Program
Jill Stemple, a second year Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) student at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, was one of 20 rising agency leaders selected for the Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) Medicaid Pathways Program that begins this fall.
October 30, 2023
Researchers from the Center for Governance and Markets awarded Elinor Ostrom Prize
A group of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Governance and Markets has been awarded the prestigious Elinor Ostrom Prize for their article, “Community policing on American Indian reservations: a preliminary investigation.” Adam Crepelle, Tate Fegley, Ilia Murtazashvili, and Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili received the
October 19, 2023
Meet the alumni on this year’s 40 Under 40 list by PUMP and Pittsburgh Magazine
Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their 40 Under 40 awards with an inspiring class of changemakers hard at work in the region. Among the list are two GSPIA alumni, Sabrina Yow-Chyi Liu and Dan Law.
September 29, 2023
New faculty spotlight: Kimberly Turner
Kimberly Turner is an Assistant Professor of International Affairs. Her research focuses on the causes and outcomes of mass movements. Her methodological work develops new measures of non-violent resistance efficacy, while her substantive work analyzes the linkages between skilled labor’s employment and wage grievance to the onset and outcomes of contentious politics within authoritarian settings.
September 8, 2023
Forthcoming book from Professor Jeremy Weber offers guide on using statistics in policy work
It's set for a January release, and we can't wait to read it. GSPIA Professor Jeremy Weber's new book, published by University Chicago Press, will be available in early 2024.
August 30, 2023
Center Associate joins Ridgway Center for International Security Studies
A new expert in international security has joined our team. The Ridgway Center for International Security Studies at GSPIA recently welcomed Abigail Post as a Center Associate.
August 16, 2023
Current student appointed to Governor's advisory commission
Current GSPIA student Ryan Yeager was just sworn in as Chair of Governor Shapiro’s inaugural Advisory Commission for Next Generation Engagement. Ryan is second year student public administration student concentrating on social policy.
July 26, 2023
Associate Professor co-hosts webinar discussing lead pipe exports and environmental justice implications
Dr. Marcela González Rivas, an associate professor at GSPIA and leader of the research working group Closing the Water Gap, led a recent webinar focused on discussing the environmental impact of the export of lead water pipes.
May 31, 2023
Research from Center for Governance and Markets shortlisted for Elinor Ostrom Prize
Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and Associate Professor Ilia Murtazashvili are shortlisted for the Elinor Ostrom Prize for co-authoring new research paper.
May 30, 2023
Meet the alumni on City & State’s AAPI Power 100 list
Three GSPIA alumni were recognized this month on City & State’s Power of Diversity: AAPI 100 list: Itha Cao (MID ’15), Marian Lien (MPPM '14), and Kannu Sahni (MPPM ’13).
May 10, 2023
GSPIA Celebrates the Class of 2023 at Commencement Ceremony
On Thursday, April 27, GSPIA graduates, faculty, staff, friends and family gathered in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall to celebrate the Commencement of the Class of 2023.
May 1, 2023
5 tips for landing your federal dream job in DC
During the DC Career Trip, Topher Hoffmann (MPA '16), a Senior Analyst at the US Government Accountability Office, shared tips for GSPIA students looking to start their federal careers.
April 24, 2023
Students reflect on international research trip on post-COVID culture regeneration
Over Spring break, eight GSPIA students engaged in international field research in Newcastle, UK, as part of the course Urban Cultural Regeneration After Crisis: International Comparative Research.
April 18, 2023
Associate Professor appointed as Co-Director of Collaboratory Against Hate
Pitt’s Office of the Provost announced that GSPIA Associate Professor Lisa Nelson has been selected as co-director for the Collaboratory Against Hate (CAH).
April 12, 2023
A team of GSPIA students are finalists in Pitt’s Big Idea Competition
Yuliana “Nike" Ndaumanu (MPIA ‘24), Jingyan Cheng (MPA ‘23), and Simiao "May" Wang (MPA ‘24) are in competition with 16 other teams from schools across Pitt.
April 11, 2023
FBI and Ridgway Center conclude another year of successful partnership
The FBI-Ridgway working group made their final presentation of the year to the Pittsburgh Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
April 3, 2023
Student working group participates in UN Water Conference
Several students from the Ford Institute working group Closing the Water Gap participated in the 2023 UN Water Conference in New York City, “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unite the world around solving the water and sanitation crisis."
March 27, 2023
Meet the alumni on this year's Business Times '30 Under 30' list
GSPIA graduates Jarah Doosé (MPA ‘22) and Kaitlyn Hendrickson (MPA ‘19) were recognized as young business and community leaders in the Pittsburgh region who are already making an impact.
March 23, 2023
Müge Kökten Finkel voted best grad professor across Pitt schools
Students across all Pitt schools voted GSPIA Assistant Professor Müge Kökten Finkel as the best grad professor in The Pitt News’ “Best Of” survey.
March 21, 2023
Alumni CEO of refugee soccer nonprofit featured on CBS
“We use soccer because it’s such a cultural force across the globe. It creates a sense of belonging,” said Forzano in his recent interview with KDKA’s Briana Smith.
March 16, 2023
Announcing 2023 Commencement Speaker, Sundaa Bridgett-Jones
The Vice President for the Americas and Chief Partnerships Officer at The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) will deliver this year's address at GSPIA's Commencement ceremony.
March 15, 2023
Alumni-In-Residence: Pittsburgh's Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Cornell (MPA '15), the current Chief Financial Officer for the City of Pittsburgh, will serve as GSPIA's next Alumni-in-Residence visitor and connect one-on-one with current students.
March 13, 2023
Assistant Professor speaks on the Nord Stream bombing plot
The Intercept featured Assistant Professor Melinda Haas in an article on the conflicting reports surrounding the Nord Stream pipeline bombing plot.
March 6, 2023
Faculty member appointed to President Biden’s Intelligence Advisory Board
President Biden announced the appointment of Julia Santucci, GSPIA Senior Lecturer in Intelligence Studies, to the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.
March 2, 2023
Professor wins Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award
Associate Professor Sera Linardi was recognized for her compelling vision and leadership in community-university engagement as a recipient of the 2023 University of Pittsburgh Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award.
February 28, 2023
Capstone class publishes policy report with Government Accountability Office
Associate Professor Jeremy Weber’s Capstone Seminar class worked on a policy analysis request from the federal Government Accountability Office. Their final report just went public.
February 27, 2023
Alum editorial: Finding the vaccine for racism
"When we tacitly allow the ongoing marginalization of any racial group, we are maintaining a society that is less just, less equitable and less healthy for everyone," writes alumnus Ron Idoko for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
February 15, 2023
'My mother tongue weighs heavy’; Faculty member mourns after Turkey earthquakes
In her personal essay published by Public Source, Dr. Müge Kökten Finkel reflects on the destruction and loss of human life in her home country.
February 10, 2023
Global-shaping student calls for “bold collective action” at Davos
Carla Gómez Briones (MID ‘23) presented her ideas for building a sustainable future on at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. “The future we need is a radical departure from the present,” she said.
February 6, 2023
New alum begins federal career in national security
Isaac Dietrich (MPIA ‘22) began his fellowship with the National Security Division of the USDA’s Office of Homeland Security.
February 3, 2023
New faculty spotlight: Andrea Peña-Vasquez
Dr. Andrea Peña-Vasquez is GSPIA’s newest incoming Assistant Professor. Her research focuses broadly on topics of migration and citizenship in Western Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, especially the intersection between race, legal status, and governance.
February 2, 2023
Alumna "claps out” after impactful appointment under Biden Administration
GSPIA alumna Allison (Varricchio) Iannarino (MID ‘15) just ended her 18-month appointment as Director for Afghanistan on the National Security Council at the White House.
January 31, 2023
This year’s Pittsburgh Power 100 features several GSPIA alumni
Seven GSPIA graduates were recognized for strengthening the City of Pittsburgh in politics, business, and nonprofits.
January 24, 2023
Virtual Alumni Panel: The Future of DEI in the Workplace
We kicked off our first GSPIA alumni panel of 2023 with the virtual event, The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace. The group discussed the development & evolution of DEl initiatives in their workplace and community.
January 13, 2023
TIME: GSPIA student brings sustainability solutions to World Economic Forum at Davos 2023
Carla Gómez Briones (MID '23) is leading conversations about clean energy on global stages. As a Global Shaper, she'll be presenting her ideas for a sustainable future at the annual forum in Davos, Switzerland.
January 3, 2023
U.S. Army Japan base dedicated to alumnus Roscoe Robinson Jr., first African American four-star general
Col. Geoffrey Heiple (MPPM ‘11), Director of U.S. Army Japan Reserve Affairs, observed the dedication of Quarters 1000—the home of the Commanding General for the U.S. Army Japan—as The General Roscoe Robinson Jr Quarters.
December 11, 2022
Distinguished Alumna and Pitt Legacy Laureate, Frances Hesselbein, Passes Away
The University of Pittsburgh, together with The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum and its Boards of Advisors, staff, and supporters, mourn the peaceful passing of Frances Hesselbein on December 11, 2022.
December 5, 2022
General David D. Thompson addresses Pittsburgh's future as Space Force hub
In his campus talk on the Geopolitics of Space, Four Star General David D. Thompson, U.S. Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations, inspired students before the launch of the new AFWERX Hub on Pittsburgh's North Side.
November 18, 2022
First-year student wins fellowship to craft policy fighting homelessness
First-year MPIA student Madee Bredice was named an Ambassador for Civic Engagement (ACE) Fellow with the Institute of Politics at Pitt, where she will help create policy with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF).
November 10, 2022
Dean receives Margarita McCoy award for uplifting women in planning
At the 2022 Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Conference, Dean Carissa Slotterback received the Margarita McCoy Award for her contributions to advancing women in planning at institutions in higher education through service, teaching, and research.
November 9, 2022
LISTEN: 3 lessons from Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch for a career in foreign service
Listen to the entire conversation with three-time U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch (ret.) where she reflects on the arc of her fascinating life and courageous career in foreign policy and diplomacy. Or, check out our highlights for a quick dose of Yovanovitch’s hard-won wisdom.
November 4, 2022
Professor wins XPRIZE Racial Equity Alliance Ideas Competition
Associate Professor Sera Linardi and her colleagues worked together on a winning idea for the XPRIZE Racial Equity Alliance Ideas Competition that connected students in social justice with students in data science to support racial justice.
October 26, 2022
Dean Slotterback named Chair of national Deans Summit
Dean Carissa Slotterback was selected to serve as Chair of the annual Deans Summit for deans and directors of the nation’s schools of public service to propel innovation and shed competitive posture in favor of collective action.
October 11, 2022
Professor named IHS Distinguished Fellow for work in Peace and International Cooperation
Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili was named a 2022-23 Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) for the Study of Liberalism and a Free Society, recognizing her work in Peace and International Order.
October 11, 2022
GSPIA celebrates Homecoming 2022 with alumni reception
On Friday, October 7, GSPIA alumni returned to their Oakland alma mater to reminisce, share their achievements, and connect with fellow graduates, students, faculty and staff.
October 6, 2022
RECAP: Federal careers alumni panel
GSPIA alums Maria Soledad Calvino, Kiersten Edwards, and Jacob Garcia shared their insights on working in the federal government and offered advice to students seeking careers in Washington, D.C.
October 5, 2022
GSPIA welcomes new Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Danae Williams
In her role as Director, Williams will develop and implement the school's recruitment, admissions, and financial aid strategies. She joins GSPIA after serving 7 years at the University of Pittsburgh in various admissions roles.
September 23, 2022
Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran on visions of Pittsburgh's hydrogen future
The Pittsburgh Business Times featured Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran and her panel on zero-carbon resources in an article highlighting the 2022 Global Clean Energy Action Forum.
September 22, 2022
Center for Governance and Markets wins $2.4 million grant to study social divisions
A research team led by GSPIA's Center for Governance and Markets (CGM) will use a new three-year, $2.4 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to examine the ways societies can manage — and overcome — polarization and social divisions.
September 21, 2022
GSPIA student and professor to present at Global Clean Energy Action Forum
On Thursday, September 22, Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran and MID student Carla Gomez Briones will be speaking at the first U.S. Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF) to discuss the most pressing challenges toward a global green transition.
September 20, 2022
Professor Op-Ed: Shanti Gamper-Rabindran on blue hydrogen and carbon capture
Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran writes for The Hill: Should taxpayers gamble on blue hydrogen and carbon capture?
September 16, 2022
GSPIA faculty promotions: 3 Professors, 1 Associate Professor
Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran, Dr. Jennifer Murtazashvili, and Dr. Paul Nelson have been promoted from Associate Professor to Professor. Dr. Marcela Gonzáles Rivas has been promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor.
September 14, 2022
PMF Program selects three GSPIA graduates for prestigious federal fellowships
Recent GSPIA alumni Karla Bonilla, Ethan Trott, and Jacob Curry have officially begun their fellowships with the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Class of 2022, a launchpad into a career in the federal sector.
September 13, 2022
Upcoming Event: A Conversation with Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine
On October 13, GSPIA will host former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch (ret.) for a discussion of her 33-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, most recently in Kyiv as the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine.
September 9, 2022
New faculty spotlight: Huafang Li
Dr. Huafang Li is an Assistant Professor of Public and Nonprofit Management. His research examines government and nonprofit communication and its influence on individual coproduction and donation decisions.
September 2, 2022
New faculty spotlight: Brooke Shannon
Dr. Brooke Shannon is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation. Her research focuses on American urban politics, local institutions, policy agendas, and political development.
August 31, 2022
Internship highlight: Student aspires to run races and nonprofits
MPA student Nick Wolk found his perfect summer internship with the Pittsburgh Track Club, which combined his love for running with nonprofit management.
August 26, 2022
New faculty spotlight: Siyao Li
Dr. Siyao Li is an incoming Assistant Professor of International Affairs with a focus on international political economy. Her research focuses on the politics of foreign direct investment and trade, and business-government relations.
August 24, 2022
Internship highlight: Student provides aid to rural “hidden peoples” in Kenya and Uganda
MID student Kory Winning's internship in Kenya and Uganda provided him a new lens to see the nature of international aid.
August 24, 2022
Dr. Müge Finkel appointed Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security
After serving as the Interim Director during 2021-22, Dr. Müge Kökten Finkel was named the Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security for a three-year term.
August 19, 2022
New faculty spotlight: Rashad Williams
Dr. Rashad Williams is an incoming Assistant Professor of Race & Social Justice in Public Policy. His research crosses the boundaries of urban planning, urban politics, and the critical philosophy of race to study the urban expressions of the Black reparations movement.
August 10, 2022
Professor Linardi’s Grief to Action Proposal advances to Phase 4 of Pitt Seed Competition
Linardi's project, Building Data Science for Social Justice (DS4SJ) Ecosystems: Sustaining Impact, has been selected as one of ten semifinalists to receive an award of up to $75,000 to continue developing their proposals.
August 8, 2022
Professor Marcela González Rivas on the War Over Public Water
Professor Marcela González Rivas speaks with the Nation about water privatization in Pennsylvania. “Climate change is putting costly pressures on the ability to operate and provide clean, safe, affordable water. Who’s going to pay for it?”
August 5, 2022
Inaugural Faculty Research Grant Program funds three faculty projects
These faculty research projects contribute to key priorities of increasing international research and collaborations, and funding pilot research and proposal developments.
July 21, 2022
Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili nominated for World’s Top Thinker
UK-based Prospect Magazine released their annual list of the world’s top 100 thinkers, including Elon Musk, Kendrick Lamar, and GSPIA Professor Jen Murtazashvili.
July 15, 2022
Griffin-ELs' bookstore startup inspires young readers to dream
Alumni Drs. Eliada and Nosakhere Griffin-EL went looking for children’s books with Black protagonists for their two young sons. But when their local bookstores let them down, they started their own.
July 13, 2022
Alum Lucia Dammert helps Chile usher in a new era
Lucia Dammert (GSPIA ’97) is at the center of Chile's rebirth as the chief of advisors to President Gabriel Boric. “Everything is possible with this young, bright team,” Dammert says.
July 8, 2022
Shanti Gamper-Rabindran's new book on the climate crisis urges action, not doomism
Like a detective novel or exposé, America's Energy Gamble dissects the dire missteps of the America First Energy Plan and asks: Where can we go from here?
June 29, 2022
GSPIA wins APSIA Inclusion Award for Out of Afghanistan Project
APSIA awarded CGM's Out of Afghanistan Project, which welcomed threatened Afghan scholars to the University of Pittsburgh and supported newly resettled refugees in the state.
June 28, 2022
Foreign Affairs features Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili on the war in Ukraine
In a piece published by Foreign Affairs, Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili explains the paradox of how Ukraine strengthened its state by decentralizing power.
June 14, 2022
MID student leads program tackling local government issues
Lauren Lowen (MID '23) will be leading Local Government Academy’s 2022 Municipal Intern Program (MIP) as the Project Coordinator.
June 14, 2022
Professor Phil Williams retires after esteemed career in international security
Dr. Williams celebrated his retirement virtually with his colleagues, friends, and former students, who reflected on his many contributions to GSPIA.
June 8, 2022
Alum Betty Cruz talks running the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
Current Board of Visitors member Betty Cruz (MPA ‘11) talked to the Pittsburgh Business Times about her role as the CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.
June 2, 2022
Professor Kevin Kearns celebrates retirement after impactful 35 years at GSPIA
Over 150 former students, colleagues, friends, and family joined together over Zoom to thank Professor Kevin Kearns for the difference he made in their lives.
May 27, 2022
Alum Carey Harris wins Woman of Influence Award
On May 25, GSPIA alum Carey Harris (MPIA '95) was honored with a 2022 Women of Influence Award by the Pittsburgh Business Times for her work as the CEO of Literacy Pittsburgh.
May 17, 2022
Remembering Professor William N. Dunn
In 1969, Dunn joined the GSPIA faculty where he spent the next 50 years teaching and conducting research as an interdisciplinary, globally respected scholar.
May 16, 2022
City of Pittsburgh declares May 16th CONNECT Day
As jointly proclaimed by the City of Pittsburgh Council and Office of the Mayor, May 16 is officially CONNECT Day.
May 10, 2022
Students connect with GSPIA alumni at DC Career Week
GSPIA students and recent graduates traveled to Washington, DC, for a week packed full of exclusive site visits, networking events, and chats with alumni living and working in the city.
May 2, 2022
GSPIA Celebrates the Class of 2022 at Commencement
On Thursday, April 28, GSPIA graduates, faculty, staff, friends and family gathered in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall to celebrate the Class of 2022.
April 25, 2022
Announcing the 2022 commencement speaker, Sloane Davidson
Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor Sloane Davidson (MPPM '17) will deliver this year’s address at GSPIA's 2022 Graduation Ceremony.
April 21, 2022
New faculty book chronicles small-town resilience to fracking
When professors Sabina Deitrick and Ilia Murtazashvili convened colleagues to discuss fracking from the perspective of local government, the resulting conversations were so great that they wrote a book.
April 15, 2022
GSPIA faculty members awarded for top-notch urban affairs research
At the 50th annual Urban Affairs Association Conference in Washington, DC, GSPIA's Dean Slotterback, Associate Professor Sabina Deitrick, and incoming faculty member Rashad Williams, were recognized and awarded for their scholarship.
April 13, 2022
Students and nonprofits collaborate in workshops for social good
GSPIA students, professors, and alumni nonprofit leaders brought their expertise to the first-ever Scopeathon for Social Good, a two-day event that gave students hands-on experience scoping a data science project with real-world social impact.
April 8, 2022
WATCH: GSPIA faculty talk human security in Ukraine
GSPIA experts discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has created a humanitarian crisis where approximately 10 million people have been displaced.
March 24, 2022
Research urges state regulations for equitable water access
In her latest research, Dr. Marcela González Rivas found that private water ownership increases water prices, making a vital resource less accessible to low-income families.
March 2, 2022
RECAP: So you want to start your own business?
Three self-starter GSPIA alums returned to campus to answer questions and inspire current students with entrepreneurial ambitions.
December 16, 2021
Philanthropy and the Shaping of Life in Pittsburgh
In nearly every neighborhood in Pittsburgh, evidence of philanthropy abounds. A short walk through historic Oakland reveals a library, museum, concert, and lecture hall, donated by Andrew Carnegie. These institutions are built on land once owned by Mary Schenley, whose gift formed one of the first public parks in the city. On either side of that park stand the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, true testimonials of philanthropists' belief in the value of self- improvement and applied knowledge.
December 16, 2021
Lack of Women in Public Administration Leadership Threatens COVID-19 Recovery
A new report by UNDP and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh finds women’s leadership is being undercut by glass ceilings and glass walls.
December 16, 2021
Drs. Jen and Ilia Murtazashvili publish a new book exploring property institutions and political order in Afghanistan
Dr. Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and Dr. Ilia Murtazashvili have recently published Land, the State, and War: Property Institutions and Political Order in Afghanistan with Cambridge University Press, a work that makes a pioneering contribution to one of the most enduring questions in the social sciences — what are the causes of the wealth of nations?
December 16, 2021
GSPIA welcomes new faculty member
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is pleased to welcome Dr. Melinda Haas as an assistant professor in international affairs.
December 16, 2021
Dr. Erica Owen named associate dean of GSPIA
Dr. Erica Owen has been named the new associate dean of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
Owen, a specialist in international political economy, began her new appointment July 1. She has been a faculty member at GSPIA since 2018. In her new position, she will serve as chief academic officer of the School, fostering the development of faculty and research, while working to implement the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and initiatives related to curriculum.
December 16, 2021
Dennis M. Gormley Endowed Student Resource Fund at GSPIA
A new endowed student resource fund for graduate students studying international affairs has been created to honor a beloved former professor and expert in the international security community.
The Dennis M. Gormley Endowed Student Resource Fund was created in June 2021 by his wife Sonia Gormley. It celebrates the life and legacy of Dennis Gormley, a prominent figure in the defense intelligence community for nearly 50 years, a beloved professor and mentor for countless students and security analysts.
December 16, 2021
Dr. Kearns receives prestigious NASPAA teaching excellence award
Dr. Kevin Kearns has received the Leslie A. Whittington Excellence in Teaching Award from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). This highly prestigious national award recognizes a faculty member in a NASPAA member school for excellence in teaching public policy, public affairs, or public administration over an extended time period, demonstrating outstanding contributions and sustained excellence through course content, course preparation, quality of advising impact, teaching innovation, mentoring, and receipt of teaching awards.
December 16, 2021
GSPIA Students Aid the State Department of Environmental Protection
Students at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) recently assisted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with research on the economics and policy challenges of closing aging oil and gas wells in the state.