University of Pittsburgh School of Public & International Affairs

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University of Pittsburgh School of Public & International Affairs

Be a leader that shapes the world you want. Undergrad BA in Public Policy, minors in Public & Global Policy, certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Master's in Public Administration/Policy, International Affairs & International Development. We are a diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni committed to making significant contributions to society through public service. As a part of the University of Pittsburgh, GSPIA is a leader in education, a pioneer in research, and an engaged partner in our region and around the world. Fo

r more than 60 years, our legacy has inspired graduates to make public institutions better, advance public interest, and realize a more equitable and inclusive society.

09/04/2026

Strategy, partnerships, creativity, and a SPIA education put to work. 🎆

Brandon D’Alimonte (MPPM ’22) has helped transform Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July celebration into more than a major event. Through his work with the City of Pittsburgh, he’s built partnerships that have generated $350K+ in private investment, supported veterans, elevated local businesses and artists, and helped create more than $2.2 million in annual economic impact.

And the strategic thinking behind it? Brandon traces part of it right back to the SPIA classroom.

🔗 Read Brandon’s Alumni Spotlight: https://www.spia.pitt.edu/news/alumni-spotlight-strategy-behind-nations-top-fourth-july-celebration.

08/31/2026

We’re proud to celebrate five SPIA faculty members whose recent promotions recognize their contributions as scholars, teachers, practitioners and leaders:

Dr. Gary Hollibaugh, Professor
Dr. Lisa Nelson, Professor
Dr. Erica Owen, Professor
Julia Santucci, Professor of Practice
Dr. Kay Shimizu, Associate Professor

Across public policy, international affairs and the many issues shaping our world, our faculty bring deep expertise to their research, their classrooms and the broader public conversation.

Congratulations on this well-earned recognition!

08/25/2026

The impact of a SPIA education can be hard to capture in words. Sometimes, two are enough.

“Life changing.”

That’s how grad Courtney Davenport described her time at SPIA during last week’s graduate student Orientation.

Our alumni returned to share where their SPIA experiences have taken them, what they’ve learned along the way and the advice they would give to those just beginning their own journeys.

Pictured from left to right: Emmy Griffith, Director of Career and Professional Development, Laura Latini, Director of Development, Disha Patel (MPIA '26), Brandon D'Alimonte (MPPM '22), Courtney Davenport (MPA '23), and Interim Dean Dr. Marla Ripoll.

08/21/2026

No better way to spend a Friday. 💙💛

Our newest SPIA graduate students are on campus today for Orientation, meeting their classmates, getting to know the school and getting ready for the semester ahead.

There's a lot to learn, plenty of big questions to explore and an entire community ready to welcome them.

We're so glad you're here. Welcome to SPIA!

08/17/2026

Jasmine Akoba got an inside look at how global gender equality work actually happens. 🌎

A PhD student in Sociology at Pitt and member of SPIA’s Ford Institute for Human Security's Gender Equality in Public Administration (GEPA) Working Group, Jasmine had the opportunity to intern with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

There, she analyzed assessment data from nearly 50 public institutions across multiple countries participating in the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions — then helped turn those findings into practical guidance institutions could use. “This experience gave me valuable insight into how data can inform institutional reform and public policy,” she shared.

Jasmine’s experience also highlights something important about the Ford Institute: its reach extends across Pitt. Students and scholars across disciplines can connect with its work, expertise and opportunities around human security and gender equality.

08/14/2026

From Pitt to diplomacy around the world. 🌎

Kevin Newak (MPIA ’09), a Political Officer with the U.S. Foreign Service, recently took the stage at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, for an “Inside the Embassy” conversation about careers in diplomacy and life as a U.S. diplomat abroad.

His path has taken him from Pitt to the U.S. Mission to NATO, the U.S. Government Accountability Office and, ultimately, the Foreign Service.

Proud to see SPIA alumni representing Pitt — and public service — around the world. 💙💛

08/12/2026

Congratulations to Ryan Druffner (SPIA ’25G), who has been named a finalist for the 2026–27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program!

Ryan earned his master’s in public and international affairs at Pitt, with a concentration in security and intelligence studies and a minor in human security. A previous Boren Fellow, he studied Persian Farsi and Tajiki in Dushanbe, Tajikistan—an experience that helped shape his path toward a career in the foreign service.

Next up: Ryan plans to return to Tajikistan to teach English and continue building the language, cultural and international experience that will carry him toward that goal.

08/05/2026

Leadership news at SPIA!

Join us in welcoming Dr. Marla Ripoll as Interim Dean of the School of Public and International Affairs.

We're excited for her leadership and look forward to working together as we head into a new academic year. Read more: https://www.pittwire.pitt.edu/accolades-honors/2026/07/31/spia-interim-dean-ripoll.

08/04/2026

Summer Internship Spotlight:🌟MPIA student Katie Campbell ('27) has been gaining hands-on experience as a Summer Intern with Mt. Lebanon Municipality, where she's contributed to data analysis initiatives and helped develop a municipal AI policy.

Katie is gaining practical experience at the intersection of public policy, technology, and public service. Her internship reflects how SPIA students apply classroom learning to real-world policy challenges, gaining experience in data-driven decision-making and emerging issues like AI governance.

07/30/2026

Discover what's been driving the Ford Institute for Human Security over the past year.

From groundbreaking research and global partnerships to student opportunities and public events, the Ford Institute's Annual Report highlights the work advancing human security through interdisciplinary scholarship and action.

Take a look at the milestones, stories, and impact that defined the year: https://www.fordinstitute.pitt.edu/ford-institute-annual-report.

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http://www.spia.pitt.edu/

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