UCF School of Public Administration

09/02/2026

What does it really take to build a career in public service? 🎤

Join us for the inaugural Public Service Speaker Series: Reflections on a Career in Public Service, featuring Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.

Hear firsthand insights from a leader whose career has been dedicated to public service, leadership, and our community. Come with your questions, curiosity, and a desire to learn from someone who has experienced public service from the inside.

📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026
🕕 Doors open: 5:45 p.m. | Event begins: 6:15 p.m.
📍 UCF Morgridge International Reading Center (MIRC)
🎓 Open to all faculty, staff, and students

👉 Register and join the conversation! Spot limited!
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ltrojbcTdgbpD8

Your career in public service could start with one conversation. 💛🖤

09/02/2026

👏🏼👏🏼A milestone worth celebrating!

UCF’s Emergency and Crisis Management master’s program has become the first program to earn NASPAA accreditation—a recognition of its commitment to preparing the next generation of emergency and crisis management professionals.

We’re proud to see SPA’s work recognized as we continue preparing leaders who help communities anticipate challenges, respond to crises, and build resilience. 🌎💛

👏 Congratulations to our faculty, students, alumni, and partners who make this program possible!

The milestone recognizes UCF’s commitment to preparing the next generation of emergency and crisis management professionals to help communities become more resilient.

09/01/2026

✈️💼 Empaca que nos vamos para Panamá! 🇵🇦
Study Abroad in Panama! APPLY NOW!

Ready to make a global impact? Don’t miss your chance to join the Spring 2027 Study Abroad Program in Panama (March 13–21, 2027), focused on Nonprofit Management and community engagement.

👉 Who should apply:
Students of all majors and academic levels, especially those passionate about volunteering, social change, and nonprofit leadership.
✈️ https://studyabroad.ucf.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11715 (link on the bio)

Gain hands-on experience with Panamanian nonprofits, explore global approaches to community development, volunteer, network and strengthen your leadership skills — all while immersing yourself in a different culture.

🧠 Apply Now! 🗺️ Don’t wait — spaces are limited!

For more information contact: Dr. [email protected] / [email protected]

Panama

09/01/2026

🌟 Celebrating the next generation of emergency management leaders!

Congratulations to the 2026 IAEM-USA 40 Under 40 honorees, recognized for their outstanding leadership, innovation, community impact, and contributions to the emergency management profession.

We’re especially proud to celebrate SPA alumni Steven Lerner, CEM, FPEM, NEMEA, and Tom Kitchen, Jr. who were selected among this year’s 40 honorees! 👏🎉
His recognition is a wonderful reflection of the leadership and impact our alumni continue to bring to the emergency management profession.
With more than 92 nominations and only 40 professionals selected, this is an impressive achievement!

👏 Join us in congratulating Steven and all of the 2026 IAEM-USA 40 Under 40 honorees! https://www.iaem.org/40-under-40-honorees/

08/21/2026

Recap of our in-person orientation! 🙌🏽
To our newest students: this is just the beginning. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, connect, serve, and grow. 👏🏼

Welcome to SPA—we’re excited to have you with us! 💛🖤

08/21/2026

And just like that… The Fall semester is here! Your SPA journey begins! 💛🖤

Last week, we welcomed our newest students to the School of Public Administration for In-Person Orientation! From meeting classmates and faculty to learning more about their programs, it was a great way to kick off a new chapter.

To our newest Knights: welcome to SPA! 🎓✨

As you begin this journey, remember: you don’t have to have it all figured out today. Ask questions, build relationships, take advantage of every opportunity, and believe in the impact you can make.

Your journey starts here. We can’t wait to see where it takes you! 🚀

08/20/2026

🌎Learning Beyond Borders
🛎️ SPA Summer Program Highlight Series #3 👏

We are excited to share a few outstanding final projects created by students who participated in our Seoul Case Study Abroad Program.

During the Seoul Case Study Abroad program, SPA student Selena Slaughter explored how Seoul uses big data, artificial intelligence, and integrated public infrastructure to strengthen urban administration. Drawing from field visits, including Seoul’s TOPIS transportation control center, Selena examined how real-time data can connect transportation, public safety, and emergency response—and what U.S. public administrators can learn from Seoul’s approach.

🧠 Student 3 -Selena Slaughter
🤓 Lead Faculty Dr. Seongho An
🌏 What does a “smart city” look like in action?

🎥 Watch Selena’s presentation and discover how technology, leadership, and collaboration come together to shape the cities of tomorrow. https://youtu.be/QWJc2a_HW7Q?si=WwIHu9tUlLNPpfRN

✈️ Thinking about joining us for a future study abroad experience? Follow SPA for more opportunities! 🌱

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/19/2026

🛎️ SPA Summer Program Highlight Series #2 👏

We are excited to share a few outstanding final projects created by students who participated in our Seoul Case Study Abroad Program. As part of their final assignment, students had the opportunity to produce a video showcasing their research and perspectives, and three students took that opportunity to create truly impressive work.

🧠 Student 2 - Cesar L.
🤓 Lead Faculty Dr. Seongho An
🌏 “I Almost Died Abroad.”

Cesar turned his experience into a compelling documentary, “I Almost Died Abroad,” examining healthcare accessibility for international visitors and how technologies like real-time AI translation and health data exchange could help create safer, more inclusive cities.
🎥 https://youtu.be/eBbm5rx-khA

✈️ Thinking about joining us for a future study abroad experience? Follow SPA for more opportunities! 🌱


UrbanGovernance StudentResearch GlobalLearning

08/18/2026

🛎️ SPA Summer Program Highlight Series 👏

We are excited to share a few outstanding final projects created by students who participated in our Seoul Case Study Abroad Program. As part of their final assignment, students had the opportunity to produce a video showcasing their research and perspectives, and three students took that opportunity to create truly impressive work.

These projects highlight not only what our students learned in Seoul, but also their creativity, research skills, and ability to connect global experiences with real-world challenges.

🧠 Student 1 - Ashley Benedict
🤓 Lead Faculty Dr. Seongho An
🌏 What can Seoul teach us about building more resilient cities?

As part of the Seoul Case Study Abroad program with the University of Seoul, SPA student Ashley Benedict explored urban disaster risk reduction through a comparative look at Seoul and New York City.

Her research examines how cities can combine infrastructure, technology, and inclusive planning to create safer and more resilient communities.

🎥 Explore Ashley’s presentation and see how international experiences can shape new perspectives on urban policy.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJxgSFaPSsM

✈️ Thinking about joining us for a future study abroad experience? Follow SPA for more opportunities! 🌱

08/17/2026

From the classroom to the Capitol! 🏛️

Ready to turn your interest in public service into real-world experience? The UCF Scholars Legislative Program offers students the opportunity to spend Spring 2027 in Tallahassee, working alongside legislative staff and professional lobbyists while gaining hands-on experience in research, bill tracking, constituent services, and more.

✨ $3,000 scholarship for selected scholars
🏠 Rent fully covered during the program
📍 Live and work in Tallahassee during the legislative session

This is more than an internship; it’s an opportunity to build your network, strengthen your skills, and launch your career in public service.
👉 Interested? Learn more and apply for the Spring 2027 cohort! Contact your advisor.