Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Downtown St. Paul's office vacancy rate topped 37 percent this year, but a coalition of city leaders, businesses, and investors is betting more than $1 billion that a residential and mixed use future can turn things around. Visiting Professor of Practice Peter Hendee Brown talks with MPR News about why the old nine to five downtown isn't coming back, and the long, building by building work it will take to revive it. Listen to or read the full story: https://bit.ly/4a9PYpZ

Steven Spielberg’s newest film, “Disclosure Day,” follows protagonists who uncover proof of extraterrestrial life while the government tries to keep it hidden. The story taps into a real-world decline in trust in institutions, making audiences more receptive to its premise.

Associate Professor Brigitte Seim chats with the Star Tribune about what’s driving this lack of institutional trust: https://bit.ly/44fWQP3

The University of Minnesota offers advocacy and support for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and community members, including world-renowned academic and research opportunities; open and inclusive spaces; transgender-affirming health care; and events featuring local and national LGBTQIA+ luminaries.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3FRhi06

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs has launched a first-of-its-kind accelerated graduate pathway partnership for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with St. Catherine University that will allow qualified St. Kate's undergraduate students to complete both their bachelor’s degree and a Humphrey School master’s degree in five years.

Humphrey School Dean Nisha Botchwey, St. Catherine University President Marcheta Evans and Provost Denise Baird signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the specifics of the new Accelerated Pathways Program (APP) on May 7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4ubdcTH

Bicycles, Gender, and Risk: Driver Behaviors When Passing Cyclists New research on drivers' behavior when passing cyclists shows that women have real reason to be concerned about their safety on the road.

The 2026 commencement ceremony at the Humphrey School was a celebration for graduates, but also a call for them to be leaders in finding solutions to the complex issues facing the world and advancing the common good. 🌟

Some 140 master’s graduates and two doctoral candidates celebrated the completion of their degrees along with an enthusiastic crowd of faculty, staff, family and friends at the May 16 ceremony at the University of Minnesota. 🎓

Read more: https://bit.ly/49SKLmg

Celebrating our namesake’s birthday with one of his memorable quotes. ⭐️

Still smiling from commencement🎓✨ We were happy to celebrate the achievements of our graduates this past weekend. Congrats again to the Humphrey School Class of 2026!

We’re excited to welcome several new faculty members to the Humphrey School in the coming months! Their outstanding scholarship will advance the priorities of our strategic plan and strengthen our community of public leaders. 🌟

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tJAvE1