News

Dr Huafang Li
September 9, 2022

New faculty spotlight: Huafang Li

Dr. Huafang Li is an Assistant Professor of Public and Nonprofit Management. His research examines government and nonprofit communication and its influence on individual coproduction and donation decisions.
Dr. Brooke Shannon headshot
September 2, 2022

New faculty spotlight: Brooke Shannon

Dr. Brooke Shannon is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation. Her research focuses on American urban politics, local institutions, policy agendas, and political development. 
Nick Wolk crosses race finish line
August 31, 2022

Internship highlight: Student aspires to run races and nonprofits

MPA student Nick Wolk found his perfect summer internship with the Pittsburgh Track Club, which combined his love for running with nonprofit management.
Siyao Li
August 26, 2022

New faculty spotlight: Siyao Li

Dr. Siyao Li is an incoming Assistant Professor of International Affairs with a focus on international political economy. Her research focuses on the politics of foreign direct investment and trade, and business-government relations.
Kory Winning in rural East Africa
August 24, 2022

Internship highlight: Student provides aid to rural “hidden peoples” in Kenya and Uganda

MID student Kory Winning's internship in Kenya and Uganda provided him a new lens to see the nature of international aid.
Dr. Muge Finkel
August 24, 2022

Dr. Müge Finkel appointed Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security

After serving as the Interim Director during 2021-22, Dr. Müge Kökten Finkel was named the Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security for a three-year term. 
Professor Rashad Williams headshot
August 19, 2022

New faculty spotlight: Rashad Williams

Dr. Rashad Williams is an incoming Assistant Professor of Race & Social Justice in Public Policy. His research crosses the boundaries of urban planning, urban politics, and the critical philosophy of race to study the urban expressions of the Black reparations movement.
Prof Sera Linardi
August 10, 2022

Professor Linardi’s Grief to Action Proposal advances to Phase 4 of Pitt Seed Competition

Linardi's project, Building Data Science for Social Justice (DS4SJ) Ecosystems: Sustaining Impact, has been selected as one of ten semifinalists to receive an award of up to $75,000 to continue developing their proposals.
Prof Marcelas Gonzales Rivas
August 8, 2022

Professor Marcela González Rivas on the War Over Public Water

Professor Marcela González Rivas speaks with the Nation about water privatization in Pennsylvania. “Climate change is putting costly pressures on the ability to operate and provide clean, safe, affordable water. Who’s going to pay for it?”
Pitt shield logo flags
August 5, 2022

Inaugural Faculty Research Grant Program funds three faculty projects

These faculty research projects contribute to key priorities of increasing international research and collaborations, and funding pilot research and proposal developments.   
Dr. Jennifer Murtazashvili
July 21, 2022

Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili nominated for World’s Top Thinker

UK-based Prospect Magazine released their annual list of the world’s top 100 thinkers, including Elon Musk, Kendrick Lamar, and GSPIA Professor Jen Murtazashvili. 
Dr. Eliada Griffin-EL
July 15, 2022

Griffin-ELs' bookstore startup inspires young readers to dream

Alumni Drs. Eliada and Nosakhere Griffin-EL went looking for children’s books with Black protagonists for their two young sons. But when their local bookstores let them down, they started their own.
Lucia Dammert
July 13, 2022

Alum Lucia Dammert helps Chile usher in a new era

Lucia Dammert (GSPIA ’97) is at the center of Chile's rebirth as the chief of advisors to President Gabriel Boric. “Everything is possible with this young, bright team,” Dammert says.
America's Energy Gamble by Shanti Gamper-Rabindran
July 8, 2022

Shanti Gamper-Rabindran's new book on the climate crisis urges action, not doomism

Like a detective novel or exposé, America's Energy Gamble dissects the dire missteps of the America First Energy Plan and asks: Where can we go from here? 
Inclusion Award laurel
June 29, 2022

GSPIA wins APSIA Inclusion Award for Out of Afghanistan Project

APSIA awarded CGM's Out of Afghanistan Project, which welcomed threatened Afghan scholars to the University of Pittsburgh and supported newly resettled refugees in the state.
Volunteering in Ukraine
June 28, 2022

Foreign Affairs features Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili on the war in Ukraine

In a piece published by Foreign Affairs, Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili explains the paradox of how Ukraine strengthened its state by decentralizing power.
Lauren Lowen
June 14, 2022

MID student leads program tackling local government issues

Lauren Lowen (MID '23) will be leading Local Government Academy’s 2022 Municipal Intern Program (MIP) as the Project Coordinator.
Dr. Phil Williams
June 14, 2022

Professor Phil Williams retires after esteemed career in international security

Dr. Williams celebrated his retirement virtually with his colleagues, friends, and former students, who reflected on his many contributions to GSPIA.
Betty Cruz, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh; Credit: Jim Harris, PBT*
June 8, 2022

Alum Betty Cruz talks running the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh

Current Board of Visitors member Betty Cruz (MPA ‘11) talked to the Pittsburgh Business Times about her role as the CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.
Professor Kevin Kearns
June 2, 2022

Professor Kevin Kearns celebrates retirement after impactful 35 years at GSPIA

Over 150 former students, colleagues, friends, and family joined together over Zoom to thank Professor Kevin Kearns for the difference he made in their lives.
"Carey Harris headshot"
May 27, 2022

Alum Carey Harris wins Woman of Influence Award

On May 25, GSPIA alum Carey Harris (MPIA '95) was honored with a 2022 Women of Influence Award by the Pittsburgh Business Times for her work as the CEO of Literacy Pittsburgh.
William N. Dunn
May 17, 2022

Remembering Professor William N. Dunn

In 1969, Dunn joined the GSPIA faculty where he spent the next 50 years teaching and conducting research as an interdisciplinary, globally respected scholar.
Mayor Gainey with CONNECT staff
May 16, 2022

City of Pittsburgh declares May 16th CONNECT Day

As jointly proclaimed by the City of Pittsburgh Council and Office of the Mayor, May 16 is officially CONNECT Day. 
Students are seated around a conference table with a GSPIA alumni working in DC.
May 10, 2022

Students connect with GSPIA alumni at DC Career Week

GSPIA students and recent graduates traveled to Washington, DC, for a week packed full of exclusive site visits, networking events, and chats with alumni living and working in the city. 
GSPIA Graduating Class of 2022
May 2, 2022

GSPIA Celebrates the Class of 2022 at Commencement

On Thursday, April 28, GSPIA graduates, faculty, staff, friends and family gathered in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall to celebrate the Class of 2022.
Sloane Davidson
April 25, 2022

Announcing the 2022 commencement speaker, Sloane Davidson

Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor Sloane Davidson (MPPM '17) will deliver this year’s address at GSPIA's 2022 Graduation Ceremony. 
When Fracking Comes to Town Book Cover
April 21, 2022

New faculty book chronicles small-town resilience to fracking

When professors Sabina Deitrick and Ilia Murtazashvili convened colleagues to discuss fracking from the perspective of local government, the resulting conversations were so great that they wrote a book. 
Dr. Carissa Slotterback and Rashad Williams hold their awards
April 15, 2022

GSPIA faculty members awarded for top-notch urban affairs research

At the 50th annual Urban Affairs Association Conference in Washington, DC, GSPIA's Dean Slotterback, Associate Professor Sabina Deitrick, and incoming faculty member Rashad Williams, were recognized and awarded for their scholarship.
Dr. Sera Linardi at Scopeathon
April 13, 2022

Students and nonprofits collaborate in workshops for social good

GSPIA students, professors, and alumni nonprofit leaders brought their expertise to the first-ever Scopeathon for Social Good, a two-day event that gave students hands-on experience scoping a data science project with real-world social impact. 
Ukraine flag
April 8, 2022

WATCH: GSPIA faculty talk human security in Ukraine

GSPIA experts discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has created a humanitarian crisis where approximately 10 million people have been displaced.
Dr. Marcela González Rivas
March 24, 2022

Research urges state regulations for equitable water access

In her latest research, Dr. Marcela González Rivas found that private water ownership increases water prices, making a vital resource less accessible to low-income families.
panel
March 2, 2022

RECAP: So you want to start your own business?

Three self-starter GSPIA alums returned to campus to answer questions and inspire current students with entrepreneurial ambitions.
Gift of Belief book cover and Kathleen Buechel.
December 16, 2021

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.

Stylized world map
December 16, 2021

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

A new report by UNDP and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh finds women’s leadership is being undercut by glass ceilings and glass walls.
December 16, 2021

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.  

Portrait of Dr. Erica Owen
December 16, 2021

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
December 16, 2021

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?

Dennis M. Gormley with two others
December 16, 2021

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.

Protrait of Kevin Kearns
December 16, 2021

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.  

Students doing field work
December 16, 2021

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.

Eric Macadangdang
December 16, 2021

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.

Portrait of Shanti Gamper-Rabindran
December 16, 2021

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…

Portrait of Jeremy Weber
December 16, 2021

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.

Portrait of Siyao Li
December 16, 2021

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.

December 16, 2021

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.

Best Grad Schools bage from U.S. News & World Report
December 16, 2021

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.

May 14, 2021

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?

May 12, 2021

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. 

May 11, 2021

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…

April 19, 2021

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.

April 5, 2021

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

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is pleased to announce that Professor Sera Linardi has been awarded a the 2021 Pitt Momentum Funds Seeding Grant. She is leading the project, "Community-centric Building of Digital Infrastructures Against Systemic Oppression: G2A police misconduct complaint support system,” in collaboration with Professor
March 31, 2021

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.

March 1, 2021

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. 

February 28, 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.

February 15, 2021

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.

January 11, 2021

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.

January 8, 2021

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.

December 18, 2020

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).

Dr. Martin Staniland
December 2, 2020

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.

December 1, 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.

December 1, 2020

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).

November 18, 2020

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.

November 16, 2020

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…

November 16, 2020

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…

November 11, 2020

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…

October 30, 2020

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. 

October 2, 2020

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.

Flex@Pitt infographic
September 11, 2020

Students, Faculty Adjusting to Flex@Pitt Model Ext.

Read how two courses—one in pharmacy and one in engineering—are succeeding under the Flex@Pitt model, as the University prepares to allow more in-person classes next week.
September 10, 2020

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. 

August 13, 2020

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…

August 4, 2020

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.”

July 9, 2020

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,

July 2, 2020

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…

July 1, 2020

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.

June 19, 2020

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.

June 2, 2020

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.

May 29, 2020

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. 

May 27, 2020

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…

May 19, 2020

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.

May 11, 2020

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.

April 26, 2020

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. 

April 24, 2020

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. 

April 11, 2020

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. 

March 21, 2020

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.

December 6, 2019

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.

October 10, 2019

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