Truman School of Government & Public Affairs

Congratulations to David Switzer for being named the American Political Science Association; Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (STEP) Section, Emerging Scholar Award.

With 20 peer-reviewed articles, a Cambridge University Press book (best book award, 2022), 4 PhD committees chaired, and 18 STEP section members signing his nomination letter, David's impact speaks for itself. His research on Safe Drinking Water Act compliance has put environmental justice squarely on the water sector's agenda — and he's turning that scholarship into real policy as an advisor to the City of Columbia, MO.

Congratulations to David on this well-deserved recognition!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Irma Arteaga on her well-deserved promotion to Full Professor, effective this fall. Additionally, in August, she will assume the role of Director of the Institute of Public Policy.

These recognitions reflect Dr. Arteaga's outstanding contributions across research, teaching, and service: three pillars of academic excellence. Her dedication and impact have been truly exceptional.

We are incredibly proud to have Dr. Arteaga as part of the Truman School of Government & Public Affairs community at the University of Missouri. Congratulations, Dr. Arteaga — thank you for everything you do

JUNE 6 | 9 AM | EMISSARY DUPONT

Join us this Saturday.

Reconnect with your Tiger network with coffee and conversation! Join your friends from the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs to talk about what’s new at Mizzou and how you can support students in the Washington, D.C. area.

RSVP https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_25eTGgVGzywsC1M

Congratulations to our graduate students for the work this past year that earned you recognition! We are excited to see your contributions and scholarship this next academic year!

MPA
Xavier Crowell
Mya Franklin
Kate Hoey
Jungheon Im
Paul Landry
Johnny Martin
Ben Miles
Claire Reynolds
Kennedy Solomon
Nicole Zorzi

PhD
Defne Acun
Denise Brown
Su Hyun Cho
Elvis Dabu
Gabriellen Da Silva
Guido Martín Roa Gimenez
Michael Powell
Maelee Willingham

Happy Birthday, President Truman! Here at the Truman School of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, we carry your Missouri spirit and your commitment to public service every single day. Your legacy lives on in every student we send into the world to serve.

For more on his live visit:

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/

Congratulations Indiana Garcia Torres for being a community champion!!!!

She was named a Mary Elizabeth Gutermuth Award recipient for her community engagement by the Mizzou Graduate School.

Indiana's engagement focused on how Spanish-speaking immigrant families access public programs & navigate complex systems in the U.S. From studying WIC enrollment barriers in Columbia, MO to exploring why nontraditional states like Missouri are becoming destinations for immigrant families, her work is rooted in real community partnerships and trusted relationships.

We are thrilled to announce that Denise Brown has been selected as an AAUW Fellowship recipient, a truly remarkable achievement!

AAUW is one of the world's largest sources of funding for graduate women, awarding approximately $5 million annually in fellowships and grants. These highly competitive awards support outstanding women pursuing graduate and postgraduate study, as well as nonprofit organizations expanding STEM opportunities for girls in grades K–12.

As an AAUW award recipient, Denise joins a distinguished network of more than 15,000 women and organizations committed to advancing equity and breaking barriers in their fields, schools, and communities.

We are incredibly proud and look forward to seeing the lasting impact of her work. Please join us in congratulating Denise Brown!

New scholarship from one of our PhD students Natalie Stetler:

What helps refugees integrate? It might come down to who they spend time with.
Our new study on Bhutanese refugees resettled in Michigan finds that social interaction across ethnic, cultural, and religious lines is a key driver of attitudes toward intermarriage — and ultimately, integration.

Read more here:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1755048326100303

Congratulations to Kati Abbott on receiving the Excellence in Advising Award from the MU provost and Advisor's Forum.

Kati's dedication to her students goes above and beyond, helping them navigate their academic journeys, discover their passions, and reach their academic goals. This award is a well-deserved recognition of the incredible impact she makes every single day.

Thank you, Kati, for being a champion for students!

Big news from TSGPA! First year MPA student, Claire Reynolds, was part of a team of students who just won the 2026 NASPAA International Wildfire Simulation — competing against top public affairs programs worldwide. This is what training future public servants looks like. Congratulations Claire!

https://www.naspaa.org/innovative-teaching/student-simulation-competition/2026-wildfire-mitigation-simulation-competition/winners