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Laura Deupree
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Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
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ATLANTA — “This is not the GSU I knew!”
With that reflection, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Board of Visitors member and Georgia State University alumna Faith Gibson Hubbard (B.A. ’03) captured the tone as alumni gathered for GSU’s “State to State” networking event March 30 at the Historic Decatur House in Washington, D.C.
The event brought together more than 100 alumni, faculty and staff for an evening focused on connection and conversation, celebrating the 30 years of impact of the Andrew Young School.
Gibson Hubbard’s remarks reflected a broader sentiment shared throughout the evening as alumni reflected on the university’s growth and the evolution of the Andrew Young School. Georgia State University’s position as the No. 1 public institution in the nation for undergraduate teaching alongside the Andrew Young School’s top-20 national ranking underscored that progress.
Student Government Association President James Wilson (B.S. ’25) opened the program by centering the conversation on the student experience. A recent graduate in public policy and current Master of Public Administration student, he spoke about how policy education prepares students to engage with real-world challenges.
Georgia State University President M. Brian Blake shared updates on the university’s growth, including recent campus developments. He encouraged alumni to return and see those changes in person, from the GSU Blue Line and expanding Campus Greenway to new research and academic facilities.
Dean Thomas J. Vicino highlighted how the Andrew Young School continues to evolve its approach to policy education. His remarks focused on how the school integrates data, technology and community partnerships to prepare students for careers across sectors.
Grounded in the legacy of former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, the namesake of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, the evening also reflected on the school’s founding in 1996 and its development over three decades. The program connected that legacy to the school’s current focus on preparing students for public service and leadership.
“Policy education is about more than understanding systems. It prepares leaders to work across sectors and address complex challenges,” Vicino said. “At this moment, the role of a policy school is especially important.”
Alumni profiles were woven throughout the program, including graduates working at the U.S. State Department, Meta and in city leadership, including the mayor of Atlanta. These examples illustrated the range of paths taken by graduates of the Andrew Young School.
Alumni networking followed the presentation, with many conversations focused on the changes across Georgia State University and the continued growth of the Andrew Young School.
“State to State” events are held in cities across the country to bring together alumni and friends. Georgia State University will host the next gathering in Atlanta April 23 with “State to State: Regional Reach, Atlanta Roots.” Alumni and friends are invited to attend. Tickets are available online.
