As the Humphrey School approaches its 50th anniversary, we reflect on five decades of public leadership, policy innovation, and commitment to the common good. Since opening our doors in 1977, the School has prepared generations of leaders to address complex public challenges at the local, national, and global levels.
This timeline highlights defining moments in the School’s history — from its founding in honor of Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey to the growth of research centers, partnerships, and community impact that continue to shape the Humphrey School today.
1936
The University of Minnesota establishes the Public Administration Center, the earliest predecessor to today's Humphrey School.
1968
The School of Public Affairs succeeds the Public Administration Center, gaining autonomy as a graduate school within the University (1968–1977).
1976-1979
Professor John Adams leads the transition from the School of Public Affairs to the new Humphrey Institute graduate school.
1977
The Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs is founded, named to honor U.S. Senator and Vice President Hubert Humphrey.
1978
Humphrey dies in January. Shortly before his death, he shapes the vision for a "living memorial": not just a college, but a forum for public debate and nonpartisan, research-based advocacy.
1980
Harlan Cleveland, former Assistant Secretary of State and U.S. Ambassador to NATO, is named the Institute's founding dean (serving until 1987).
1985
The Center on Women, Gender, and Public Policy is founded, the nation's first comprehensive university research center dedicated to women and public policy.
1986
Under Cleveland's leadership, the Institute moves into its current home, the Humphrey Center, on the University's West Bank.
1987
Regents Professor G. Edward Schuh becomes dean (1987–1997).
1990s
Walter Mondale helps co-found the School's Policy Fellows Program and later leads a fundraising campaign that raises more than $2 million for student scholarships
1992
The Center for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy and the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice are founded.
1997
Professor John Brandl becomes dean (1997–2002).
2002
J. Brian Atwood becomes dean (2002–2011).
2005
The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance is founded.
2006
The Center for Integrative Leadership is founded.
2011
The Institute is renamed the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs to better reflect its academic mission. Eric P. Schwartz becomes dean (October 2011–June 2017).
2015
The Future Services Institute is founded (active until 2024).
2017
Laura Bloomberg becomes dean (June 2017–August 2021), the first female to lead the School, and the Institute for Urban and Regional Infrastructure Finance is founded.
2022
Nisha Botchwey becomes dean in January, the first immigrant and first person of color to lead the School.
2024
The Future Services Institute concludes its work.
2027
The School marks its 50th anniversary, measured from the 1977 founding.
Today, the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs continues its mission of preparing leaders, advancing public service, and fostering research and public engagement for the common good.