News

City of Pittsburgh declares May 16th CONNECT Day

Students connect with GSPIA alumni at DC Career Week

GSPIA Celebrates the Class of 2022 at Commencement

Announcing the 2022 commencement speaker, Sloane Davidson

New faculty book chronicles small-town resilience to fracking

GSPIA faculty members awarded for top-notch urban affairs research

Students and nonprofits collaborate in workshops for social good

WATCH: GSPIA faculty talk human security in Ukraine

Research urges state regulations for equitable water access

RECAP: So you want to start your own business?

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.

Lack of Women in Public Administration Leadership Threatens COVID-19 Recovery

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. 

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?

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

Associate Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran Publishes Op-Ed in Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Associate Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran was recently published in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. In her op-ed, Infrastructure bill will energize Pennsylvanians, she argues, "renewable energy can provide additional benefits to communities — turning brownfields into brightfields that provide tax revenue for local governments, and the hosting of solar panels offers an income stream for rural communities." Read her piece here…

Eric Macadangdang MPA '23 Writes Letter to the Editor: We must work together to fight climate change

Current GSPIA student Eric Macadangdang, MPA '23, wrote a recent Letter to the Editor published in Pitt's University Times. In his letter, he urges us to work together to fight the devastating effects of climate change. How? By taking the Regional Climate Action Plan survey.

New Book: Associate Professor Paul Nelson Publishes "Global Development and Human Rights"

GSPIA Associate Professor Dr. Paul Nelson has published Global Development and Human Rights: The Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond from University of Toronto Press. 

Siyao Li, Assistant Professor of International Affairs Joining GSPIA Fall 2022

Siyao Li will be joining GSPIA as an Assistant Professor of International Affairs with a focus on international political economy in the fall of 2022. Siyao Li is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at University of Pennsylvania where she studies International Political Economy. For the 2020-2021 academic year, she was a GPEP predoctoral fellow at Georgetown University's Mortara Center for International Studies. Her research interests include the politics of international investment and trade, firm-government relations, and Chinese politics.

Associate Professor Jeremy Weber Receives Alumni Award from Juniata College

Congratulations to Associate Professor Jeremy Weber on receiving the Young Alumni Achievement Award from Juniata College. The award honors those who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession during the first 15 years since graduation. After completing his bachelor’s degree in international political economy summa cum laude at Juniata, he earned a PhD in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010. In his current role at GSPIA, he teaches courses in quantitative methods and energy and environmental policy.

CONNECT Moves on Recommendations from GSPIA Capstone

The Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT) and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh came together last fall to make regional recommendations through the CONNECT Capstone class. Each fall semester, CONNECT members decide on policy or project areas that are high priority and work to partner with students on further research.

GSPIA Receives High Rankings from U.S. News & World Report

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs has again been ranked as one of the top public affairs graduate programs in the country in the U.S. News and World Report’s newest rankings.   

This year GSPIA’s rank held strong at No. 38, placing it in the top 15 percent of public affairs schools across the country. GSPIA has retained its strong position in the top 15% of public affairs schools. Among public institutions, GSPIA ranks in the top 25.

GSPIA Professor Publishes the First Systematic Study of the Political Voice of Faith-Based International Humanitarian Groups

How do U.S. faith-based NGOs (FBOs) in international development educate and mobilize their constituencies – their members, supporters, or members of religious institutions that sponsor them?

Five GSPIA students Receive Awards from ASPA's Keystone State Chapter

Five GSPIA students were recognized during Public Service Recognition Week by the American Society for Public Administration — Keystone State Chapter. The students' work was lauded for their commitment to community engagement and excellence in public service.

"We are eager to see the future impact that these award winners have as public administration professionals," Chapter President David L. Margolis said. 

Dean Slotterback discusses experience, vision for GSPIA’s future

As she wraps up her first academic year, the newly appointed dean for the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Carissa Schively Slotterback, continues to prioritize the schools’ initiatives for improving student access, enhancing research, institutionalizing diversity, equity and inclusion, and for providing new opportunities for engagement.

She spoke recently about her experiences at GSPIA thus far, including the opportunities, challenges, and future goals that have emerged in this past year.

Q: What have been some of the high points of your first six…

GSPIA Professor Müge Kökten Finkel Awarded John C. Mascaro Faculty Fellowship

GSPIA professor Dr. Müge Kökten Finkel has been awarded the John C. Mascaro Faculty Fellowship. The John C. Mascaro Faculty program is designed to enhance the University of Pittsburgh’s mission of interdisciplinary excellence in sustainability research and education.

GSPIA Professor Receives Pitt Momentum Funds to Build an Online Police Accountability Platform

Pitt's Gender Inequality Research Lab (GIRL), UNDP, UN Women: Women’s absence from COVID-19 task forces will perpetuate gender divide

Men outnumber women three to one across COVID-19 government task forces around the world. Such disproportionate representation will hamper women’s recovery from the pandemic, according to new data released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, and the Gender Inequality Research Lab (GIRL) at the University of Pittsburgh.

GSPIA, CAASI to host NBER Decentralization Conference Focused on Mechanism Design for Vulnerable Populations

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and its Center for Analytical Approaches to Social Innovation (CAASI) will be virtually hosting the 50th anniversary of the NBER (National Bureau of Economic Research) Decentralization Conference focused on Mechanism Design for Vulnerable Populations April 15-17, 2021. 

Roscoe Robinson Jr. Memorial Lecture Series Features Chris Shorter

GSPIA recently welcomed Chris Shorter (MPA '04) as the 2021 Roscoe Robinson Jr. Memorial Lecture guest speaker where he spoke about diversity in public service.

Established in 2008, this lecture recognizes the late Roscoe Robinson Jr., a Pitt alumnus (GSPIA ’64) who served as the first African American four-star general in the U.S. Army.

Student Spotlight: Libby Wilkerson (MPA)

Libby Wilkerson is a second-year Master of Public Administration student majoring in Urban Affairs and Planning. Originally from York, Pa., she's lived in Pittsburgh since earning her bachelor's degree in Communication and Rhetoric from Pitt. Her research is mostly focused on affordable housing creation and development. Her career goal is to work locally in neighborhood planning and community development.

We had the extreme privilege to speak with Libby recently about her experience at GSPIA. 

Q: Why did you choose your program or major at GSPIA?

Student Spotlight: Juliana Monteiro Berardino (MID)

Juliana Monteiro Bernardino is a Public Policy Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Latin American Studies as she pursues her Master’s degree in International Development at GSPIA, with a major in Social Policy.

Student Spotlight: Wensislaus Noval Rumangun (MPIA)

Wensislaus Noval Rumangun is a Master of Public and International Affairs candidate, focusing in international trade and development at GSPIA. 

Born and raised in Indonesia, he took his undergraduate degree at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta majoring in literature. As an enthusiast of trade and development issues, Wensislaus is now living his dream of completing his second-year master’s degree in International Political Economy at GSPIA.

Message from the Dean

It is difficult to know how best to respond in a moment like this, but it is even more difficult to be silent.  The images from DC are truly heartbreaking and surely feel personally threatening for many in our community.  For those in a school of public and international affairs like ours, it is beyond painful to see the symbols and spaces of public process and public service defiled.  The power and impact of white supremacy is on display.

Student Spotlight: Kayla Conforti (MPIA)

Kayla Conforti is a second year Master of Public and International Affairs student at GSPIA majoring in International Political Economy. Before GSPIA, she received her B.A. in Economics, French, and International Studies at Washington & Jefferson College and was an English Language Assistant in France through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF).

GSPIA remembers Professor Emeritus Dr. Martin Staniland

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) Professor Martin Staniland, who died Thursday, November 26, 2020.

Student Spotlight: I Younan An (MID)

I Younan An is a second-year Master of International Development candidate and also a Global Studies Center H.J Heinz Fellow.

I is from Phnom Penh, Cambodia and received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northern Illinois University.

New Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum Executive Coach Appointed

Brigette M. Bethea, Owner and Lead Strategist of ULEAD, a training and development firm, whose career has spanned the intelligence, defense, public education, and nonprofit sector, has been named the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum’s first virtual Executive Coach in the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA).

GSPIA remembers Dr. David Miller, regional governance expert and founding advisor of CONNECT

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) Professor David Young Miller, who died Tuesday, November 17, 2020. He had been a faculty member at the School since 1998.

Student Spotlight: Gabrielle Sinnott (MPIA)

Gabrielle Sinnott is a second-year MPIA Human Security major in GSPIA's Master of International Affairs program. She is also pursuing an Asian Studies Certificate as a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellow.

Originally from Lockport, New York, she attended Daemen College in western New York for her undergraduate degree in History and Political Science. She is currently an International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) Ambassador Intern and is waiting for  her security clearance to begin an internship at the Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat…

Student Spotlight: Falon Weidman (MPA)

Falon Weidman is a Governance and International Public Management major in GSPIA's Master of Public Administration degree program. A native of St. Clairsville, Ohio, she is a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia. Her studies focus on program design and evaluation, and she is especially interested in developing opportunities for refugee populations and solutions to rural…

GSPIA professor elected president of the Central Eurasian Studies Society

Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, Founding Director of the Center for Markets and Governance at the University of Pittsburgh, has been elected by the members of the Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS) to be its next president. CESS serves as a global community of scholars, practitioners, and institutions committed to advancing knowledge and…

GSPIA remembers Ridgway Center Senior Research Fellow, Faculty Member Dennis Gormley

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs sends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dennis M. Gormley. 

Alex

Shameless moment of self-promotion: I just got notified that VISIMO has been named a finalist in the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Tech 50 Awards. We're one of the five finalists in the Data Science category. Check it out here: https://www.pghtech.org/events/…

GSPIA's Ridgway Center for International Security Studies names Senior Research Fellow

The Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) is pleased to announce Dr. Colin P. Clarke’s appointment as a Senior Research Fellow at the Ridgway Center, effective October 1.

Students, Faculty Adjusting to Flex@Pitt Model Ext.

GSPIA alumna named Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy Fellow

The National Endowment for Democracy’s Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy recently announce its 2020-2021 cohort of fellows, including GSPIA alumna Whitney Grespin (MPA '09). 

She joins a cohort of fellows from a wide variety of backgrounds and professional affiliations, including Capitol Hill, the U.S. State Department, think tanks, civil society, and the private sector. 

GSPIA Professor Michael Kenney named Posvar chair, director of Ridgway Center

Dr. Michael Kenney, a GSPIA professor of public and international affairs, has been named to the Wesley W. Posvar Chair in International Security Studies. He was also named the new director of the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies, which is part of both GSPIA and the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for International…

GSPIA professor addresses Afghan mayors in preparation for peace agreement

“When individuals have strong community organizations they are more likely to stand up to fight corruption. Officials are also more careful and respectful of communities when communities are better organized. This means that communities feel far more comfortable with democracy when they are stronger because they know their rights will be protected.”

A Message from Dean Keeler to International Students

University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs' Dean Dr. John T.S. Keeler released this statement today: 

Dear GSPIA Community,

Julia Santucci named director of the Johnson Institute

Julia Santucci, a senior lecturer in intelligence studies with over a decade of experience in national security and foreign policy positions at the White House, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Department of State, has been named Director of the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership and the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum…

University of Pittsburgh names new Dean to lead GSPIA

Carissa Schively Slotterback, associate dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, has been named dean of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She will begin her deanship on Oct. 1 and join the faculty as a full professor.

GSPIA grad

Alex Heist (MPA) ARCNet congratulates Visimo, Inc for being selected for a $912K Subaward to support the Test Resource Management Agencies’ (TRMC) COEUS project.  COEUS will serve as DoD’s secure “Open Community Data Science Platform” supporting autonomy and artificial intelligence software development.

VISIMO has received an award with the Department of Defense - specifically to work with the Army Artificial Intelligence Task Force here in Pittsburgh. 

VISIMO Alex is the Vice President where he He drives VISIMO’s connections to the Pittsburgh tech and political community…

Itha Cao (MID ’15) receives GSPIA’s first Alumni Impact Award

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs recently gave its first Alumni Impact Award to Itha Cao who graduated in 2015 with a Master of International Development.

The Alumni Impact Award is meant to reaffirm to alumni that each contributes to a long successful line of changemakers whose impact reaches far and wide. There are currently 6,700 alumni worldwide.

“I am extremely grateful and humbled to receive this award. Due to the support from my friends, family, and mentors I’m able to be where I am today,” Itha said.

A Message from Dean Keeler

University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs' Dean Dr. John T.S. Keeler released this statement today: 

The recent​ demonstrations against police brutality are a call for everyone to reflect on the ways we need to do work in our own community. We as the GSPIA community feel tremendous grief and anger over the suffering and violence that is disproportionately inflicted on Black Americans and other people of color. We want to express our support for our students who are affected by the reality of systemic racism in our country.

GSPIA associate dean inducted into the UAA Distinguished Service Honor Roll

University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs' Associate Dean Sabina Deitrick was recently inducted into the Urban Affairs Association's (UAA) Distinguished Service Honor Roll. 

Deitrick has been a member of the organization for more than 20 years. She also serves as the Governing Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, Local Host Chair, and has served on numerous other UAA committees. 

On the Frontlines: A conversation with GSPIA alumni combatting COVID-19

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh recently held a GSPIA Conversation: On the Frontlines, a virtual discussion to highlight the work being done by alumni nationally to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The event shared their experience with response, public and private policy planning and coordination, policy briefing and data analysis during this unprecedented and uncertain time. 

Those experts included: Allegra Agata Tartaglia (MID ’18), Miriam Belblidia (MPA ’09), Taylor Hennessee (MPIA ’14), and Professor Emerita…

Emerging GSPIA Research Shows Nearly $1 Billion in Tax Revenue Losses for Municipalities in 10-County SWPA Region

Initial findings conclude that 2020 is only the beginning of a significant municipal financial crisis, with an even more dire situation looming in 2021.

GSPIA alumni, research initiative receive awards from Keystone State Chapter — ASPA

The Keystone State Chapter – American Society for Public Administration has awarded three alumna and one of the research initiatives of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh with awards at its recent chapter meeting. 

Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award

Marita Kelley (MPA '85) has combined a distinguished career of public service with a longstanding commitment to the Keystone State Chapter.

GSPIA grad chosen as a 2020 Pitt commencement speaker, White House Fellowship Program finalist

Prince Matthews Sr. (MPA ’20) was chosen to address nearly 8,000 graduating students from programs across the University of Pittsburgh today. 

The second-youngest of 11 children, Matthews grew up in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood, an experience which galvanized his path to public service. 

GSPIA holds first virtual graduation ceremony

Yesterday, during an asynchronous ceremony, GSPIA celebrated its graduate and doctoral students. This was the first virtual graduation ceremony in the School’s history. 

Dr. John T.S. Keeler was lauded as it is his final year as dean after serving GSPIA for 13 years and graduating over 2,000 students. We also bid farewell to outgoing Student Cabinet President Paul Donnelly. 

Professor Emerita Convenes Global COVID-19 Research Network

Louise Comfort is no stranger to disaster. Her career was built following it around the world. 

Focusing on decision-making particularly during chaotic situations, Comfort says in any emergency, information and knowledge are key. The more knowledge, the better.

For decades she has worked to answer the question: "How do you figure out the right decisions in life-and-death situations?"

Leader to Leader Virtual Issue: "Leading Through Coronavirus" 

The Hesselbein Forum has curated and published a free Virtual Issue of our Leader to Leader Journal, "Leading Through Coronavirus," selecting articles that leaders will find relevant and practical as they navigate through this uncharted and challenging landscape.

This special virtual issue includes articles that promote productive thinking, instill confidence, and reframe crises as unique opportunities. 

GSPIA receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs has again been ranked as one of the top public affairs graduate schools in the country according to the latest U.S. News & World Report reputational survey. 

GSPIA ranked #1 among public universities and #7 overall in the specialty rankings for International/Global Policy and Administration. This distinction is given to programs that educate students for a career in policymaking, global business or other international-focused fields.

Three GSPIA students named as Presidential Management Fellowship finalists

Three University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs students — Megan Canfield, Adam Diedrich, and Andrew Tuznik — have advanced as finalists in the highly competitive Presidential Management Fellowship program.

They join a long list of GSPIA alumni who have launched their public service careers through the PMF program. The two-year appointment provides participants with leadership training and experience across functional areas, offices, and in some cases, different agencies in the Executive branch of government.

Pitt Center Exploring How Governance Institutions, Markets and Technology Impact Human Well-Being To Be Housed At GSPIA

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh announced the launch of a research center to examine how political institutions, markets, and technology impact human well-being in the United States and around the world. The Center for Governance and Markets will build upon the existing teaching and research of faculty members Jennifer Murtazashvili, Ilia Murtazashvili and Martin B.H. Weiss.