Deans Summit Leaders Meet to Strategize for the Year Ahead and Convene Alumni of Schools of Public Service

On July 19-20, the Deans Summit steering committee convened for a strategic planning retreat hosted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Volcker Alliance facilitated the meeting in Richmond, Virginia to discuss emergent opportunities for public service education and weigh prospective priorities for the Deans Summit. The group was honored to be joined by former Governor Wilder who shared his insights on how schools of public service may best inspire and prepare future public service leaders during this highly polarized time for both government and higher education.

The week prior, the Volcker Alliance, in collaboration with Deans Summit member schools, helped facilitate a “Serving Across Difference” dinner salon for alumni of schools of public service in Washington, DC. American University’s School of Public Affairs hosted the event with the schools of public service from Carnegie Mellon University, Pepperdine University, the University of Arkansas, the University of Missouri, and the University of Wisconsin. The event brought together alumni to practice civil discourse and connect with others committed to public service.

While in Washington, DC, the Volcker Alliance participated in the Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) Public Service Expo. This annual expo connects PPIA students and professionals with employers, fellowships, and schools of public service. As an exhibitor, the Volcker Alliance had the privilege of meeting passionate, service-minded students while supporting PPIA’s mission of cultivating the next generations of diverse public service and international affairs professionals.