The Humphrey School of Public Affairs is pleased to announce two faculty updates that will strengthen its expertise in leadership and management, and global policy.
Kathy Quick: New chair and new Extension role
Kathy Quick, associate professor in the School’s leadership and management area, has been awarded the Gross Family Chair. Previously held by Professor Emerita Melissa Stone, this chair supports the Humphrey School’s program in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and public affairs.
This recognition honors Quick’s exceptional scholarship, teaching, and service in public and nonprofit management at the Humphrey School.
The Gross Family Chair was established in 1996 with an endowment gifted by Phil Gross. His family members say they are pleased that Quick is being honored.
“The Gross Family Chair is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in our communities and in the world. We believe strongly in the power of education, and are delighted that this Chair offers the opportunity for individuals like Kathy Quick to make a lasting impact. We look forward to witnessing the continued positive contributions she will bring to the Humphrey School.”
Joint appointment with Extension
In addition to this recognition, Quick will move into an additional role with the UMN Extension's Leadership and Civic Engagement Program beginning in August. She will take on responsibilities to shape the program's direction, amplify outreach efforts, and foster collaborations within the School and with external partners.
"We warmly welcome Kathy Quick to Extension and look forward to enhancing our collaborations with the Humphrey School," said Extension Dean Bev Durgan.
Humphrey School Dean Nisha Botchwey said this joint appointment provides an opportunity for Quick to further her engaged scholarship and public service, and strengthen ties between the School and the broader community.
"We are immensely proud of Kathy's accomplishments and excited to witness the positive impact she will continue to make in her expanded role,” said Botchwey. “Kathy's appointment not only aligns with our mission, but also underscores the vital role that engaged scholarship and community partnerships play in advancing policy education. Her work will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the next generation of policy leaders and innovators, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex challenges facing our communities."
The Gross Chair position and joint appointment with Extension will allow Quick to deepen her role as an academic co-director of the University wide Center for Integrative Leadership (CIL), which supports leadership development and catalyzes collaborative action for public good by the business, government, and nonprofit sectors throughout the region.
Caroline Krafft: New faculty member
Caroline Krafft will join the Humphrey School this fall as an associate professor of economics in the global policy area. She brings extensive expertise in development economics, with a particular emphasis on labor, education, gender, and inequality in the Middle East and North Africa.
Krafft, a Humphrey School alumna (MPP ‘11), has been a faculty member in the economics department at St. Catherine University in St. Paul for the past nine years. Her research spans a diverse array of topics, including early childhood development, female labor force participation, labor market dynamics, conflict and displacement, and education quality.
Krafft will teach courses in economics and development.
"We are delighted that Caroline will be joining the faculty of the Humphrey School,” said search committee co-chairs Professors Ragui Assaad and Deborah Levison. “Her research strongly complements that of a number of our faculty, and she will make important contributions to the teaching and advising needs of several of our degree programs."
Krafft earned her PhD in applied economics from the University of Minnesota, and her bachelor’s degree from Carleton College.
