Governors State Professors Invited to NASPAA Workshop

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) recently selected Governors State University's  Professor Susan Gaffney, Public Administration, and Professor Mary Bruce, Public Administration, to attend this year’s NASPAA NEXT Leadership Workshop.

NASPAA is the accrediting body for the Public Administration programs and hosted the invitation-only workshop virtually on Oct. 14. The focus of this year’s workshop was building a successful civic square though intentional and thoughtful focus on racial equity.

For Dr. Bruce, who also serves as the Not for Profit and Social Entrepreneurship (NPSE) Concentration Coordinator of the Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership Program (INLD), the workshop allowed her to further develop her skills as a dynamic member of the campus and community.

“I will become equipped with practical tools that will enable me to become even more engaged with Governors State and the larger community especially when initiating service learning programs as a scholar, educator, and leader,” she said.

Preparation for the workshop included reviewing articles and videos to implement attendees'  work. Dr. Gaffney, also the Program Coordinator, Department of Politics, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, said the workshop provided useful information for a project she's pursuing.

“I recived helpful information to locate a state senate bill, SB1704, Illinois Harvest to Home Pilot Program Act, which is focused on my research topic. I plan to contact legislators who proposed the bill to determine if there are partnership opportunities and resources to pilot a community project,” Gaffney said.