Georgia State’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Garners Diversity Award From The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration

ATLANTA – The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) has awarded Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies its 2020 Diversity Award, recognizing the school’s research, service and teaching for exemplifying the highest standards in promoting and supporting diversity.

NASPAA recognized the Andrew Young School during its virtual annual conference on Oct. 16. The organization sets standards in public service education and is the recognized global accreditor of master’s degree programs in public administration and public policy.

“We are honored to be recognized for the inclusionary emphasis we pursue in our research, service, practice and teaching, particularly our work in the area of traditionally marginalized and underrepresented populations. As the Andrew Young School, we have long understood this course to be our charge,” said Dean Sally Wallace. “We will continue to work to make progress in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the name of our faculty, staff, students and the greater community.”

Cathy Yang Liu, chair and professor of the Department of Public Management and Policy (PMAP), said the award represents a beginning, but not an end, to the department’s and school’s efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We will continue to embrace our diverse student body, conduct research on marginalized and vulnerable populations and communities along various policy dimensions, engage many different agencies, and contribute to relevant public dialogues,” said Liu. “We truly appreciate NASPAA’s recognition.

NASPAA’s award recognizes the department for valuing diversity in all forms, and how it recognizes multiple dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion and disability status, intentionally promoting and incorporating diversity in research, teaching and service.

Faculty research tackles the policies and programs which negatively affect or serve the interests of traditionally marginalized and underrepresented populations and has contributed to important legal and policy decisions.

The department’s teaching also demonstrates a commitment to diversity, giving extensive attention to diversity-related issues, as well as planning and economic development courses that ensure students understand the challenges of development in ways that are economically dynamic, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable.

PMAP faculty also serve and lead in diversity efforts in their discipline, serving in leadership roles for professional associations and conferences; participating in public roundtables, forums, and discussions of diversity and inclusion; and reviewing manuscripts for journals that advance understanding of diversity in public agencies.

To learn more about Public Management and Policy at the Andrew Young School, visit https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/.