News + Events

New Year, New Name

On January 18, 2011—the first day of spring semester—the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs became the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Outgoing dean J. Brian Atwood sought the name change to reduce confusion among prospective students and constituents outside of Minnesota.

Humphrey School Seeks Local Government Innovators

At a time when budgets are stretched to their breaking point, local governments are forced to make difficult decisions. Many must answer the question: Is there a way to work together, leverage resources, and still provide the same quality of service?

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota has partnered with the Association of MN Counties (AMC), the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), and the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) to conduct the 2010—11 Local Government Innovation Awards, which laud outstanding cities, counties, and public schools that use innovative practices to improve local services.

Dean J. Brian Atwood Elected Development Assistance Committee Chair

The Humphrey School announced today that Dean J. Brian Atwood was unanimously elected, to the position of Development Assistance Committee (DAC) chair on October 29. The DAC is a permanent forum of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that coordinates international development policy. Earlier this fall, Atwood was nominated for this position by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“While I’m disappointed to leave the college at such an exciting time, international diplomacy and development have been my life’s work, and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute again,” says Atwood. “The University has generously granted me a leave of absence, and I look forward to returning to the Humphrey School in a few years to bring my experiences back into the classroom.”