PhD in Public Policy at University of Massachusetts Boston

Congratulations to PhD student Sampurna Basu, who presented her co-authored research, "Legitimacy Under Threat: Political Contestation & the Public Library as a Bureaucratic Institution," at the Public Management Research Association Conference (PMRC) in Washington DC in June 2026.

Congratulations to Afsana Alam on her inspiring TEDx UMass Boston talk, “Belonging in More Than One World.”

In the TEDx last month, through powerful storytelling and personal reflection, Afsana explored what it means to navigate multiple identities, cultures, and spaces while searching for belonging. Her message reminds us that living between worlds can be a source of strength, connection, and purpose—and that creating inclusive spaces helps others feel seen, valued, and included.

We are proud of your accomplishment and the impact of your voice. Congratulations, Afsana!

UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies Afsana Preeti TEDx

A big congratulations to our UMass Boston Class of 2026 Graduate and Doctoral students at last week's commencement! This marks the beginning of an exciting new milestone/chapter in your lives. We wish you all the best to the amazing adventures ahead! UMass Boston Alumni John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies

An incredible day at the 2026 MGS Graduation Awards Ceremony!

We are proud of the many DPPPA students, faculty, and staff who were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!

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UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies

We’re thrilled to share that our very own Beth McHugh, an MPA candidate, won the Richard Beinecke Best Capstone Competition! This annual event, sponsored by the NNE Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, brings together top capstone students from MPA and MPP programs across the region. This year, six programs participated: Brandeis, Northeastern, Suffolk, UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, and Westfield State University.

Beth’s capstone focused on improving early childhood literacy, and she impressed the faculty panel with her mastery of research design, methodology, and professional presentation. Congratulations, Beth, on a well-deserved Best Capstone title!

We’re proud to see our MPA program continue to shine among our peers in research rigor and capstone quality. Thanks to everyone who supports our students and their remarkable work.

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UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies

A full house for an inspiring evening! Last week, the DPPPA hosted the MPA Alumni Careers and Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Event, to celebrate the accomplishments of the Classes of 2024 and 2025 through their induction into Pi Alpha Alpha. This alumni event welcomed four MPA alumni back to share their career journeys and reflect on how the MPA program has shaped their professional paths.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect, celebrate, and highlight the impact of our student, faculty, and alumni community.

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UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies

Congratulations to Jack Li, Graduate Program Administrator, on his nomination for the UMass Boston Chancellor’s Staff Achievement Award!

The award recognizes two UMB staff members who have demonstrated exceptional performance in one or more of the following categories — innovation, initiative, service, and excellence in contributing to a culture of inclusive excellence and belonging.

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UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies

We’re proud to share that Afsana Alam has been selected as a 2026 Founders’ Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) National!

A few weeks ago in Los Angeles, she participated in the ASPA Annual Conference, where she presented her research on pay equity in the care economy. Through the fellowship, Afsana engaged in mentorship, professional development, and meaningful conversations with scholars and practitioners working across public policy and administration.

This recognition highlights her important contributions to advancing equity in public service. Check out photos from the event below!

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UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies Afsana Preeti

Our PhD Student, Afsana Alam, will be organizing the 'Career Navigation & Mentorship Workshop for Women of Color' THIS FRIDAY, Apr 17 (12–2 PM).

This event is part of the Transformative Equity Grant project, Listening to Heal, focused on supporting women of color students at UMass Boston, in collaboration with Academic and Career Engagement and Success (ACES).

The session will bring together panelists and interactive discussions to support students as they navigate career pathways.

Feel free to join the workshop if you're interested! *Lunch will also be served!

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UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies

Proud moment for our Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Program! 🎉 We’ve once again ranked in the Top 100 for 2026's Best Graduate Schools rankings — coming in at #64 (tie)!

Thank you to our faculty, students, and partners who make this possible. UMass Boston | UMass Boston John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies