Celebrating SPAA at 75 Years
Join us as we celebrate a significant anniversary for the KU School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). In the coming year, SPAA is honored to recognize alumni, faculty, and staff who have contributed to the foundations and the future of public service in Kansas and beyond.
City Management as a Profession
First MPA City Management cohort graduates from KU in 1950 under the leadership of inaugural Program Director Edwin O. Stene launching KU's reputation as #1 program in local government management.Learn More About the City/County Management MPA Fellowship Program!
Public Service Lies at the Heart of Democracy
For 50 years the Public Management Center trains practitioners and partners with communities to cultivate excellence in public service.
The School is Launched
The Department of Public Administration is elevated to the School of Public Affairs and Administration in July 2011.
Expanded Public Service Education
Doctoral program in public administration and undergraduate degrees broaden the connection to public service education.
Centering Urban Planning with Public Service
For over 50 years the Master of Urban Planning program aims to improve the quality of life of communities.
SPAA Faculty with Distinction
Faculty are leaders in the field of public service, recognized as Edwin O Stene Distinguished Professor, Robert A. Kipp Professor of Practice, NAPA and AICP Fellows and other disciplinary recognitions.
Scholarship for the Public Good
Research addresses pressing community challenges at all levels of governance and in partnership with the Institute for Policy and Social Research (IPSR) and SPAA faculty-led research centers.
Convening for Public Service
Connects and advances thought leadership in public service by hosting national and annual conferences, including Social Equity Leadership Conference (SELC), Inspiring Women in Public Administration (IWPA), and Kansas City/County Management (KCCM).2025 Events to Celebrate 75 Years!
Stay tuned for an announcement of events to take place throughout 2025!
Details are forthcoming on the following:
Hannesfest: Recognizing Hannes Zacharias as the Robert A. Kipp Professor. This celebration will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Kansas Memorial Union. Register here!
Kansas City/County Management (KCCM) Conference: April 24 & 25, 2025 at the Oread Hotel in Lawrence, KS. Registration now open!
Inspiring Women in Public Administration (IWPA) Conference: August 22, 2025 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
ICMA KUCIMAT Reception: Tampa, Florida - date pending.
Fall 2025 Culminating Event