News
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.