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Alum Receives Critical Acclaim for Debut Novel

Lara Prescott, SPA/BA '04

During her time at American University's School of Public Affairs, Lara Prescott, SPA/BA ’04, knew she wanted to be a writer. After years of working on political campaigns after graduation, she took a risk, quit her “day job” and devoted herself to blending her love of politics with her love of writing fiction. Flash forward to the present day and her new book, The Secrets We Kept, has sold for $2 million at auction and has been optioned to be made into a movie.

Videos

Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s conviction on charges related to his foreign lobbying has drawn attention to the fact that the Department of Justice has not been aggressive enough in enforcing the law covering foreign lobbyists.

SPA Distinguished Professor James Thurber talks about the consequences of not enforcing the law and why it needs an upgrade.

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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Government & Politics · November 12

Politics of the Plate: New Sine Fellow Wants You to Understand Food Systems and Policy

Katherine Miller is a communications executive and advocate for the culinary community.
Full Story

On Campus · November 14

Leading Scholar Shares His Insights on Brexit and Northern Ireland

Brendan O’Leary, Lauder Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, gave a recent lecture about the unfolding Brexit drama since the United Kingdom voted “Leave” in 2016.
Full Story

Achievements · November 21

New Oral History Project Reveals Untold Stories About the Civil Rights Movement

SPA Professor of Government Gregg Ivers documents the professional rise of Julian Bond in the Julian Bond Oral History Project.
Full Story