NC State School of Public and International Affairs

Amazing work done by MPA Professor and STEPS (Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability) Center researcher Dr. Jay Rickabaugh!

Last week, four political science majors headed to Washington, D.C., as part of a delegation of student government leaders during ACC Advocacy Days. This annual event brings schools from across the ACC to D.C. to advocate for issues relevant to their student bodies. Political science majors Lanadia Adams (‘25), Isaac Carreno (‘26), Syd Fryer (‘25), and Chloe E. Leffler (‘25), along with three other NC State students, met with 13 congressional representatives from North Carolina and both senators to advocate for legislation expanding college affordability, research funding, and assistance for food and housing insecurity on campus. The trip was truly student-led, as the students organized meetings with the legislators, researched issues and legislation, and made personal connections with lawmakers. Of the experience, graduating senior Chloe Leffler said: “ACC Advocacy Days are a critical annual event, one I felt honored to be a part of. Tangible connections in Congress and advocacy of issues that directly impact our student body on a daily basis is only one way to better improve and promote quality of life at NC State. This year's experience on Capitol Hill was unparalleled in terms of representatives and research. The direction of our student body is always forward and always up, and that was expertly illustrated with this year's Student Government delegation.” We are so proud of our SPIA students for their advocacy efforts on behalf of our campus community on Capitol Hill. #ncstatespia #politicalscience #accadvocacydays?

Congratulations to SPIA Professor and Deputy Executive Director of NC State's Climate and Sustainability Academy, Christopher Galik on being named to NC State's 2024-25 class of University Faculty Scholars! This prestigious designation recognizes outstanding faculty for their exceptional contributions to the research, teaching, and service?missions of the university. Professor Galik joins a distinguished group of 20 faculty members selected this year for their academic achievements and significant impact at NC State. SPIA appreciates Dr. Galik’s dedication to excellence in public affairs and his continued contributions to our students and our broader community. #NCState #HigherEducation #AcademicExcellence #PublicPolicy

Thank you to the four NC State alumni and current law students who joined us last night for a fascinating discussion on how to prepare, achieve, and succeed in law school. These students, three of whom are SPIA alumni, took time out of their busy schedules to give back to the NC State community with their advice. Through their diverse paths to law school, the alumni were able to help current SPIA undergraduates consider their priorities for law schools and envision their futures. We thank these dedicated alumni for their thoughts and hope to engage in similar, productive conversations in the future! #NCStateSPIA #lawschool #alumni

From measuring impact to making it: Dr. Jessica Berrett (PhD '20) is reshaping how we think about nonprofit efficiency. The Association of Fundraising Professionals just named her their 2025 Emerging Scholar, recognizing her groundbreaking research that challenges traditional metrics in the nonprofit sector. As an assistant professor at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, Dr. Berrett was recognized for her highly productive research and publication record. Her selection by the AFP Foundation's Research Council speaks to the ripple effect her work is having across both academic and practitioner communities. Proud to see our NC State SPIA alumni continuing to push boundaries and drive innovation in public service! Read more about Dr. Berrett below. #NCStateSPIA #NonProfit #PublicPolicy #ResearchImpact

Last Friday, the Zeta Epsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political Science Honor Society, inducted a new class of 20 driven students. These new members are recognized for their achievement in the study of political science and government and will now have access to a network of peers and alumni to guide their journey. At the event, students had the opportunity to network with SPIA Council members, faculty, staff, alumni, and their peers. Special thanks to David Boaz, NC State ‘08 and UNC Law ‘12, for giving the keynote speech and spending time with Zeta Epsilon’s newest inductees. Congratulations, new members of Pi Sigma Alpha, on your hard work. We can’t wait to see what opportunities lie ahead! #politicalscience #honorsociety

The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is proud to announce that our student Jazmyn Fuentes has been selected for NC State's inaugural cohort of Sustainable Futures Fellows! Jazmyn, a double major in electrical engineering and political science, will contribute to a team focused on circular economy solutions. This innovative program, directed by public administration professor Dr. Christopher Galik, exemplifies the critical role of social sciences in addressing complex sustainability challenges. As Dr. Galik explains, "The Sustainable Futures Fellows Program is all about creating space for students to imagine bold, innovative futures." This program will empower students like Jazmyn to develop forward-oriented solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. We're excited to see how Jazmyn and her fellow students will reimagine a more sustainable future through this unique 15-week exploration. Read about Jazmyn’s work below.

Congratulations to?Ha Vien, doctoral student in the PhD program of Public Administration who has just been named a 2025 American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Founders’ Fellow. ASPA’s flagship program recognizes the exceptional accomplishments and potential of the next generation of public servants in both academic and practitioner communities.?Ha has significant experience as a government officer and her research interests include public administration and policy, sustainability, and environmental/energy policy and justice. #ncstatespia #publicservice

Considering law school? Do not miss this highly popular event!?Hear from current law school students on best practices for how to apply to law school, succeed while there, and more valuable advice. Panelists include: ?? Andrew Frickmann (NC State?’24)?1L at University of North Carolina?School of Law ?? Emma Baynard (NC State ’23)?2L at Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law ?? Starr Gibens (NC State ‘22) 3L at University of Chicago Law School February 18, 2025, 5:30-7:00pm, register for location. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eexpCDAa

Congratulations to NC State School of Public and International Affairs MPA Student Nichole Hughes, who was awarded a scholarship from the ICMA - International City/County Management Association to attend their Local Government Reimagined Conference in Denver at the end of February.?The theme for this year’s conference is “Leading & Managing and Livability & Resilience.” #ncstatespia #publicservice?