NC State School of Public and International Affairs

The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) provides a vibrant and innovative platform for understanding, exploring and engaging with issues of leadership and public affairs. Its reach extends from our Raleigh campus to the halls of the North Carolina General Assembly, to the power centers of Washington and to decision-making forums around the world. A gift to the SPIA Enhancement Fund helps our students bring a new focus and energy to address the issues that shape societies. Today, on Day of Giving, join us in giving back to the faculty, staff, and students that make SPIA so great. #GivingPack Donate to the SPIA Enhancement Fund here: https://lnkd.in/e324F6t6

Congratulations to Dr. Ryne A. Crout Jones, who successfully defended his dissertation, "Nonprofit Organizational Adaptations Following Philanthropic Windfalls" (Dr. Amanda J. Stewart, Chair), and will receive his Ph.D. in public administration in May. Dr. Crout Jones has joined the faculty at UNC-Wilmington's Department of Public and International Affairs. As a four-time graduate of our university, Dr. Crout Jones exemplifies the Wolfpack's dedication and academic excellence that we strive to foster, and we wish him all the best.

Congratulations to Dr. Cody Taylor who successfully defended his dissertation, "Putting the Oliver Twist on Publicness" (Dr. Jeff Diebold, Chair) and will receive his Ph.D. in public administration in May. Dr. Taylor will join the faculty at Appalachian State University as an assistant professor of public administration in the fall of 2025.??

Congratulations to Dr. Brad Holliday (Brad S. H.), who successfully defended his dissertation, "The Relationship Between Police Mission Statements and Measures of Organizational Effectiveness: An Exploratory Study" (Dr. James Brunet, Chair) and will receive his Ph.D. in public administration in May. Dr. Holliday is a lieutenant in the Durham Police Department and a graduate of NC State University's Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP).

We are proud to see SPIA alumnus and Chancellor-elect Kevin Howell continuing to make such a significant impact on the NC State community! Throughout his career, Howell has held numerous leadership positions across North Carolina state government and public education. His dedication to public service exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our students. Congratulations, Chancellor-elect Howell, on this well-deserved appointment.

SPIA's second annual undergraduate research panel was a success! Yesterday, four students engaging in undergraduate research projects spoke about their experiences, ideas, and advice for other students interested in research. Hosted by Dr. Steve Greene, students Maddie Evans, Beck Whitehead, Connor Stitt, and Heather Lee answered questions on how they got involved, how they developed their projects, and more. Thank you to our student panelists and audience members for a great discussion! #UndergraduateResearch #PoliticalScience

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