The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs

The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs Be Part of the Solution. Sound policy. Thoughtful leadership. Informed citizens. The Howard H. Baker Jr. In the spirit of Sen.

Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan public policy center located on the campus of the University of Tennessee. The Center's mission is to advance the legacy of the late Sen. Howard Baker by providing critical insights on domestic and international challenges through interdisciplinary research, experiential education, and policy engagement. Senator Baker, sometimes referred to as “The Great C

onciliator,” had the ability to cross party lines, listen, and legislate solutions to difficult issues. His efforts resulted in landmark legislation, such as the Panama Canal Treaty, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and much more. Baker’s work, the Center offers a number of public lectures and programs within its three focus areas: Energy & Environment, Global Security & Trade, and Leadership & Governance. The Center also maintains an active and engaged student program with options to join the Baker Center Living Learning Community, Baker Ambassadors and Baker Scholars.

Meet Catie Padilla, a senior Public Affairs major and Baker Scholar.Her Baker experience has included the Tocqueville Sc...
09/08/2026

Meet Catie Padilla, a senior Public Affairs major and Baker Scholar.

Her Baker experience has included the Tocqueville Scholars program, undergraduate research, peer mentorship, and an internship with the City of Knoxville - Government.

This year, she's taking on faculty-mentored research while preparing for what comes next: law school.

Read Catie’s full story ➡️ https://bit.ly/4xbHyHg

📅 Here’s what’s happening this week at the Baker School.
09/06/2026

📅 Here’s what’s happening this week at the Baker School.

It’s football time in Tennessee. 🍊Howard H. Baker Jr. captured this game-day scene in 1981, with The University of Tenne...
09/05/2026

It’s football time in Tennessee. 🍊

Howard H. Baker Jr. captured this game-day scene in 1981, with The University of Tennessee Bands - Pride of the Southland Band leading the way.

The year may change. The tradition never does. Go Vols!
Tennessee Football

How do the assumptions behind an economic analysis shape the policy decisions that follow?New research published in Scie...
09/04/2026

How do the assumptions behind an economic analysis shape the policy decisions that follow?

New research published in Science, co-authored by Baker School economist Ben Leard, examines the economic analysis behind federal vehicle emissions standards.

The researchers explore how different assumptions about consumer behavior and fuel savings can substantially change estimates of a policy’s costs and benefits, demonstrating the important role research plays in testing evidence that informs public policy.

Read the study:

Correction of selective assumptions and inconsistent interpretations of evidence would overturn policy justification

💼 Baker Interns in ActionThis summer, sophomore Public Affairs major Alexa Trauernicht interned with the Denver Justice ...
09/02/2026

💼 Baker Interns in Action

This summer, sophomore Public Affairs major Alexa Trauernicht interned with the Denver Justice & Peace Committee, supporting the non-profit's advocacy and policy initiatives.

Alexa’s work included conducting policy research, developing policy briefs and advocacy materials, and supporting community outreach and public engagement.

"Through this experience, I have gained valuable insight into the research, collaboration, and strategic planning that drive effective advocacy and nonprofit policy work."

Through experiences like this, Baker students are consistently gaining new perspectives, building practical skills, and making an impact in communities across Tennessee and beyond.

From the cockpit to the Briefing Room. ✈️Join NSFA and Air Force ROTC Detachment 800 tomorrow for a conversation with Co...
08/31/2026

From the cockpit to the Briefing Room. ✈️

Join NSFA and Air Force ROTC Detachment 800 tomorrow for a conversation with Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, former commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Come for the conversation. Stay for the connections.

08/30/2026

Did you know the Baker School hosts a top-ranked podcast? 🎙️

On You Might Be Right Podcast, former Tennessee Governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam show that thoughtful conversations about tough issues are still possible.

You Might Be Right returns for Season 9 on September 3. Here's a first look at what's ahead.

08/29/2026
Big ideas. Meaningful impact. A career in public service.Take the next step with a Master of Public Administration (MPA)...
08/28/2026

Big ideas. Meaningful impact. A career in public service.

Take the next step with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the Baker School.

📅 Fall 2027 Application Deadlines
Jan. 15: Priority deadline for assistantship consideration (in-person only)
July 1: Final deadline for all programs

Applications are open. Start your application today.
➡️ https://bit.ly/4xYwttZ

💼 Baker Interns in ActionThis summer, Baker School student Patrick Busch interned with the Law Office of Van-Lear P. Eck...
08/27/2026

💼 Baker Interns in Action

This summer, Baker School student Patrick Busch interned with the Law Office of Van-Lear P. Eckert, P.C., gaining firsthand experience in criminal defense.

Patrick worked directly with clients and observed courtroom proceedings while supporting attorneys with legal research and case preparation. The experience gave him a closer look at how the constitutional principles he studies at the Baker School shape the legal system in practice.

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1640 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN
37996

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