UGA Department of Public Administration and Policy

Classroom concepts met real-world practice this Maymester in the Local Government Practicum with Dr. Eric Zeemering. Working with the City of Cornelia, students put their MPA knowledge to work on a community-focused project while gaining firsthand experience in local government.

Local government is where many public policies take shape and have a direct impact on communities. Join us on Monday, June 15 at 12 PM for an MPA webinar featuring Dr. Eric Zeemering, exploring the opportunities and challenges of local government administration. Open to current and prospective students. Register here: https://forms.gle/8hpFR3Q7Z64bFaKQ6

Congratulations to Comfort Aiyepada, our June MPA Student of the Month! Read more here: https://spia.uga.edu/june-26-mpa-sotm/

Last week, we hosted the Spring Public Finance Research Conference bringing together leading scholars from across the country to examine emerging challenges in fiscal federalism and decentralization. From state and local budgeting to climate resilience, tax policy, and public workforce dynamics, the conversations reflected the depth and impact of public finance research and its central role in effective governance.

Lots to celebrate this week 🎉

We wrapped up the semester with our Spring Banquet on Friday and welcomed our newest Pi Alpha Alpha inductees yesterday.

Congrats to our award winners and inductees! Up next: graduation 🎓

Congratulations to Kristen Martin, our May MPA Student of the Month! Read more here: https://spia.uga.edu/may-26-mpa-sotm/

Public budgeting and financial management are at the core of effective public service. Join us on Friday, May 29 at 12 PM for an MPA webinar featuring Dr. Katherine Willoughby, exploring how these skills are developed and applied. Open to current and prospective students. Register here: https://forms.gle/fkkw3aowcCL9oUc2A

This week, our MPA Associate Director, Aaron Redman and MPA Career Services Coordinator, Tara Lamb attended the UGA Top 100 Student Employees of the Year Luncheon to honor the outstanding contributions of student employees across campus, especially our own Kristen Martin, an exceptional MPA Graduate Assistant.
For the past two years, Kristen has strengthened our career services and recruitment efforts with professionalism, creativity, and unwavering reliability. Her impact on our department and the students we serve has been tremendous.
Her recognition as a Top 100 Student Employee is so well deserved. Congratulations, Kristen—we are grateful for you!

Graduate Student Appreciation Week is coming up! 🎉

Join us next week for some fun, food, and prizes:

🍕 Monday, April 13 | 2:30–3:30 PM
Punaro Room 480
Pizza + Spin to Win

🎁 Wednesday & Friday | 2:30–3:30 PM
Baldwin Hall Room 206
Spin to Win

Stop by, grab a slice (Monday!), and try your luck—we hope to see you there!

Interested in a career in auditing and public service? Don’t miss the Georgia Department of Audits & Accounts Information Session on April 14 from 2:30–3:30 PM in the Punaro Room. Drinks and snacks provided!