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Political Communicator Making a Difference

Daniel DeBrakeleer, SPA /MA '19

MA Political Communication

Daniel DeBrakeleer, SPA /MA '19, says he likes how the AU School of Public Affairs (SPA) encourages students to get real-world work experience.

After interning at HealthHIV, a national nonprofit advocacy organization, the 23-year-old was hired as a full-time communications manager. Today, he's an intern on the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee minority communications team.

On Campus · May 11

Stacey Abrams Speaks to the SPA Class of 2019 About the Power of Belief

Stacey Abrams, who shattered the glass ceiling with her 2018 run for governor of Georgia, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from American University today and spoke at the commencement of the AU School of Public Affairs.
Full Story

Announcement · March 12

School of Public Affairs at AU Jumps in National Ranking in U.S. News & World Report Survey

Four specialties receive first-time recognition; three specialties jump in ranking
Full Story

Videos

SPA Assistant Professor Claudia Persico is currently studying the social and biological mechanisms underlying the relationships between poverty, the environment, and children’s cognitive development and health. The time between conception and birth is perhaps one of the most vulnerable life stages, during which the environment may have tremendous immediate and lasting effects on health. The fetus undergoes rapid growth and organ development and the maternal environment helps direct these processes, for better or for worse.

number 14 among 285 public affairs schools

by U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Public Affairs Graduate School Rankings

number 3 for Public Management and Leadership, up from #6

by U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 5 for International Global Policy & Administration

by U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Public Affairs Graduate School Rankings

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Safety & Security · July 23

How Do You Measure Success in the National Security Sector?

The latest podcast episode of Mission is Possible, a series about national security management, highlights the benefits and challenges of measuring success.
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On Campus · July 31

SPA and Guidehouse Bring Experts Together to Discuss Data Management

SPA and Guidehouse - a provider of management, technology and risk consulting services to the public and commercial sectors - convened a panel of thought leaders on July 30 to discuss strategies in the increasingly complex field of data management.
Full Story

Government & Politics · August 2

Betsy Fischer Martin Shares Insights on July Democratic Primary Debates

Betsy Fischer Martin, executive director of the Women & Politics Institute (WPI), shared her insights of the recent Democratic primary debates.
Full Story