September 2015
The Spirit of Service
THE EXCHANGE School of Public Administration
Community Service: Broadly Perceived & More Broadly Applied What is community service? For faculty members going through the tenure review process community service is defined by the contributions made to a specific geographical location, often the cities of Omaha or Lincoln or others in the surrounding area. In an academic setting community service is often separated from service to the university and one’s professional discipline. I allege, however, that community service is defined in a much broader manner. Embedded within the discipline of public administration is an understood call to serve mankind – a broader more universal community. It is to this broader community that we, members of the School, ascribe. Recently, the staff of the School shared with me the actions of one of our professors. Prior to the beginning of the first week of the fall semester (one of the busiest weeks in the academic year), our office staff received a call from two graduate students in one of the STEM disciplines here on campus. Apparently the students had been scheduled for a mock interview (to prepare them for a real job interview) that had somehow fallen apart. Desperate, the students searched through the University course catalog and discovered that we taught human resource management. Surely, in their thinking, we must understand how to conduct interviews and have some established mechanism for doing them. The students explained their situation and asked the staff member if someone in our office could help them with a practice interview. The staff person asked the faculty member how to respond to the students’ request. Instead, in true SPA fashion, the faculty member took the call. Explored their area of expertise, asked relevant questions about the jobs for which they were interviewing, then invited them to come to our office so he could conduct a mock interview. Before the students arrived he developed appropriate questions and then exposed students to one of the most professional and comprehensive interviews ever. Certainly this was above and beyond any job description or any definition of community service. It was, however, not beyond how we in the School apply the meaning of service or community. M. Scott Peck asserts “we bandy around the word ‘community.’ We apply it to almost any collection of individuals. If we are going to use the word meaningfully we must restrict it to a group of individuals who have learned how to communicate honestly with each other, whose relationships go deeper than their masks of composure, and who have developed some significant commitment to … delight in each other, make others’ conditions our own” (The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace). It is this broader sense of community, and service to that universal community, to which we ascribe. Community service is delighting in each other, making others’ condition our own, and going above and beyond to help improve the world in which we live. (M. Scott Peck, People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1983)
CREDITS Editor
Megan Nelson
Associate Editors Lizz Barnhart Meagan Van Gelder
Contributors
Lizz Barnhart Tara Bryan Anthony Campbell Angela Eikenberry Chris Goodman Michaela Lucas Craig Maher Gary Marshall Lyndsey Rice Meagan Van Gelder Scott Vlasek Ethel Williams
STORY IDEAS
Submit story ideas and updates for the next issue of The Exchange to Megan Nelson at megnelson@unomaha.edu.
CONNECT WITH US
I hope you enjoy this issue and that it challenges you to serve your community – however it’s defined. Ethel Williams, PhD Director, School of Public Administration
spa.unomaha.edu
Collaboration in the Omaha Metro
MAKES AN IMPACT
Dr. Tara Kolar Bryan, Assistant Professor in the School of Public Administration, specializes in nonprofit management and capacity building for nonprofits. Dr. Bryan is the program evaluator for the Foundation’s Capacity Building Program. This program annually engages a cohort of ten local nonprofit organizations in a 12-month program with the goal of helping these organizations develop or improve the infrastructure needed to better fulfill their respective missions. The program is concluding its fifth year. This evaluation work provides the foundation with important information about the impact of the program and offers ways in which the program can be improved for future cohorts. A number of doctoral students have worked on this evaluation work. SPA PhD alum, Catherine Brown, worked on the evaluation for a number of years. As a result, her and Dr. Bryan have co-authored a paper on the outcomes associated with nonprofit capacity-building programs (Bryan and Brown, 2015, forthcoming in Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership and Governance). Currently, doctoral student, Del Bharath, works with Dr. Bryan. During the last year, two separate evaluations were conducted. One evaluation focused on assessing the program for the current cohort, the other focused on assessing the medium term impacts of the program on those organizations that participated in past cohorts.
Using the most recent evaluation data, Dr. Bryan and Bharath are co-authoring other academic papers that will be submitted for publication later this year. Dr. Eikenberry, Professor in SPA, managed the first three years of the OCF capacity building evaluation and program planning before it was taken over by Dr. Bryan. Since then, Dr. Eikenberry and PhD students, Abhishek Bhati and Catherine Humphries Brown, have also worked with OCF to conduct an evaluation of Omaha Gives!, an annual 24-hour online giving event organized by OCF to grow philanthropy in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie counties. This year the event raised nearly $9 million for 704 nonprofit organizations. The findings from the evaluations have been used by OCF to improve the event each year and are also being drafted into papers to hopefully be published in academic journals in the next year or so. Omaha Gives! is part of a national trend in local communities across the United States holding “giving days,” so it provides an excellent case study for understanding more broadly the impact and factors of success for such online 24-hour fundraising events. - Dr. Bryan, SPA Assistant Professor - Dr. Eikenberry, SPA Associate Professor
Program Updates
Master in Public Administration
PhD in Public Administration
Following a multi-year process and input from an array of stakeholders, including current students, MPA alums and the Program’s Board of Directors, our curriculum changes go into effect this fall semester. The changes affect both current and incoming students, and affect both core courses and electives required for each of our concentrations. This means that over the next year or so we will be going through a transition to ensure that the needs of both our current and incoming students’ course needs are met.
Four new doctoral students will enter UNO this fall. We welcome Bit An who recently graduated with his MPA from Arizona State University. Bit grew up in South Korea. He has held teaching assistant and research assistant positions at his respected universities and at the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science & Creativity. He is interested in learning more about budget deficits and finance policy. Beth Gillespie recently moved to Omaha from Des Moines. She earned her MPA from Drake University and worked for a nonprofit organization, Link Associates, which provides services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Beth wants to learn about management techniques in public administration and public policy. Yunseung Kim recently moved to Omaha from Indianapolis. Yunseung earned his MPP from Seoul National University in South Korea. He was a research analyst for the Korea Institute of Public Finance. Yunseung will study fiscal allocation and financial management of state and local governments. Nick Juliano is the current Senior Director for Community Impact for Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home here in Omaha. He earned his MBA from UNO and has a Certificate in Juvenile Justice & Child Welfare from Georgetown University. Nick wants to learn more about public-private partnerships and policy development surrounding the intersection of child welfare and public health. - Dr. Gary Marshall, PhD Program Chair
For incoming students, the new curriculum is available on the SPA website, under MPA Curriculum. You are encouraged to review both the core requirements and those pertaining to your concentration. For our current students, the course requirements that existed when you enrolled in the Program still apply. We will ensure that the courses you need to graduate will be offered but it may require you to be more aware of when courses you need are offered. For instance, in Spring 2016, Public Economy will be taught by Dr. Ebdon. Students who need that course to graduate and have not yet taken it are strongly encouraged to enroll because we are not sure when it will be offered in the future. Please be assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure a smooth transition. Check with your advisors, Dr. Van Gelder or Dr. Maher if you have any questions. Keep reading for more details about the new and improved MPA curriculum. More information is highlighted in the “New Curriculum in Effect” article. - Dr. Craig Maher, MPA Program Chair
Nebraska Clerks Institute & Academy, CPM Program The 2015 Nebraska Clerks Institute and Academy took place March 22 - 27 at the Ramada Inn in Kearney, Nebraska. We welcomed over 230 clerks, with 35 being new to their positions; for one clerk who was attending her first conference, this was her first week in the position! Throughout the week, clerks had the opportunity to gain the latest information on liquor license requirements, budgeting, legal requirements for clerks, the impact of the Affordable Care Act on our communities, network, meet vendors and have some fun at the many social events, including the President’s Reception. The week was capped off with the annual banquet where Greg Adams, former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, gave a key note on the importance of public service. Mr. Adams has chaired the Education Committee for four years. As former mayor of York, he taught American government and economics at York High School until retiring and running for the Legislature. In addition to Mr. Adams, the Nebraska Municipal Clerks Association recognized Robert Olsen from Niobrara, Nebraska, for 50 years of service as village clerk. What an accomplishment! At the beginning of 2015, the School of Public Administration welcomed this year’s participants to the Nebraska Certified Public Management® Program. This year’s participants are Robert Denton of Nebraska State Probation, Nicole Gallardo of UNMC College of Pharmacy, David Lathrop of NE Department of Environmental Quality, Diane Sue McKee of Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines, Andrea Riley of National Archives & Records Administration, and last but not least, Carrie Rodriguez of Nebraska State Probation. They are now half way through the program and we are so proud of them for their dedication.
For more information on the Nebraska Certified Public Management® Program or the Nebraska Clerks Institute and Academy visit spa.unomaha.edu or contact Ellen Freeman-Wakefield at 402-554-2636 or efreemanwakefield@unomaha.edu. - Ellen Freeman-Wakefield, Director of Professional Programs
NASA Space Grant The NASA Nebraska Space Grant Office coordinated a series of teaching and learning workshops for a group of Nebraska educators at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in July which also included exciting behind-the-scenes tours of KSC’s unique facilities. A dozen K-12 teachers from across Nebraska who were selected for the Nebraska Education Space Ambassador program, sponsored by the NASA Nebraska Space Grant, participated in innovative teacher training programs at the Center for Space Exploration. The goal of the NESA program is to provide training opportunities to a select group of educators who then train their colleagues around the state. The Center for Space Education staff conducted workshops on integrating robotics, space exploration, and scientific observation into classrooms at all levels. After the workshops, the NESA teachers were given tours of KSC facilities, including the Launch Control Center, the Booster Fabrication Facility, and the Prototype Shop, where they had the opportunity to learn about the new Space Launch System from NASA engineers and scientists. A highlight of the visit was the opportunity to tour a Crawler/Transporter, a massive machine used to move spacecraft from the assembly buildings to the launch pads at KSC. The teachers were thrilled to stand on the very platform from which NASA’s Space Shuttles were launched for so many years. NASA Nebraska Space Grant is excited to be able to connect Nebraska students and educators to NASA resources and experiences. - Michaela Lucas, Associate Driector of NASA Space Grant
Emergency Services Program Get to know Joe Mancuso in the Emergency Services Program. Joe coordinates the Fire Service Management Program while also teaching Emergency Management classes. Not only does he teach for the program, but he was instrumental in its development. He worked to identify core competencies as well as development of degree and curriculum goals and objectives. Joe has a vast educational background receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1985 and a Master of Arts in Exercise Science in 1990 from UNO. Joe also earned an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology in 2006 and a Master of Science in Executive Fire Leadership in 2008. This fall Joe will be starting his second semester as a PhD student in the Public Administration Doctoral Program. Originally, his research interest leaned more towards the financial and policy decisions surrounding the identification, assessment, prioritization and protection of critical infrastructure and key community resources. However, after his initial semester in the PhD Program, he has become more interested in the human and social element of governance, especially how public and private entities develop collaborative relationships in assessing and protecting critical infrastructure and key community resources. Joe’s career began as a middle and high school PE and health teacher, as well as a coach. In 1992 he was hired by the Omaha Fire Department (OFD). Joe retired from the OFD in 2013 as a Battalion Chief. He has over 21 years of experience in fire protection/prevention, suppression, hazardous material mitigation, special operations and emergency medical services. In 2007 he completed the Executive Fire Officer Program with the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy where he focused on obesity in the OFD, recruitment policies and special operations. During his career with the OFD, he assisted many special projects, including service as a contracted employee for FEMA for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina, working with Lincoln Fire and Rescue (LFR), and being part of a Special Operations Bureau. After Hurricane Katrina, Joe spent 14 days in Dallas, Texas, supervising over 20 firefighters from different parts of the country. After his time in Dallas, he spent an additional two weeks in New Orleans where he was designated as the Logistics Section Chief for a task force of 160 firefighters. In an effort to meet federal staffing requirements, he became a member of the Nebraska Tack Force 1 (NETF-1) and assisted in
contract negotiations required for the OFD to become a participating agency in the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Program. As part of the Special Operations Bureau, he developed a Special Operations Coordinator job description, laying the ground work for a new position in the OFD. Joe has directed Secret Service HAZMAT personnel in security matters for a presidential visit, assisted the Omaha Police Department with an emergency preparedness plan for the College World Series, and many other events of national significance in the Omaha area. Joe is married to his wife of almost 33 years, Kathy, and together they have five children and four grandchildren. Joe loves to spend time with his family, and is an avid golfer. - Lyndsey Rice, Emergency Services Program Academic Advisor
Aviation Institute It’s hard to believe that the summer is already over. For the Aviation Institute it was another productive summer filled with teaching kids young and old about flying and other opportunities within aviation. Over the summer, our dedicated staff of Erik Stegman, Madeline Sullivan and Troy Hansen gave just over 230 simulator flights to students from across the metropolitan area. We worked with a number of programs, including: AIM for the Stars, Summer Works, PKI Academy of Modeling and Simulation, Partnership 4 Kids and many others. Senior Aviation student, Kyle Lennemann, was selected for a summer internship at Garmin. Garmin is an industry leader in providing navigation products for aviation and other modes of transportation. This summer they selected approximately 180 interns and Kyle got the opportunity to work in Aviation Product Support. The highlight of his experience was attending EAA’s Air Venture at Oshkosh. Kyle said, “My internship has really been a blast! I have learned so much and met a lot of amazing people. Everyone has treated me very well, and I would love to soon find myself full-time with Garmin!” Finally, with the start of the fall semester the Aviation Institute will begin to celebrate its 25th year. In 1990, under the leadership of Bill Shea, the Institute began to offer classes through the College of Continuing Studies. With the start of the 2015-16 academic year we will now have over 150 majors in our Bachelor of Science in Aviation program. What does the next 25 years hold? - Scott Vlasek, Aviation Institute
You Can Make a Difference Thanks to our generous donors, the School of Public Administration has five endowed funds available for student scholarships/fellowships. Application criteria and deadlines are announced through emails and on the SPA website. Please consider a gift to support scholarships for the School of Public Administration by visiting http://nufoundation.org. The Andrew Blair Memorial Fellowship was established by Associate Professor Robert Blair and his wife Barbara in memory of their son, Andrew. Preference is given to individuals planning to work with nonprofit organizations or the disabled. The Centennial Scholarship Fund was endowed primarily from alumni and students for use by graduate public administration students. The Mary Cornett Scholarship honors a longtime Omaha City Clerk who served over 50 years in public service and is awarded to an MPA student with a Public Management concentration. Preference is given to students with a demonstrated financial need. The Mary and Rodrigo Lopez Fellowship for Professional Development provides funding to engage in significant professional and career development activities. Mary Lopez retired as the School’s Career Services Director in 2011 and is an MPA alumna. The Nebraska City/County Management Association (NCMA) Scholarship is funded by the NCMA and is designed for MPA students in the Local Government concentration who have completed at least 12 hours in the program and are Nebraska residents.
Program Updates
MPA Program Welcomes New MPA Chair: Dr. Craig Maher What does cycling 3,000 miles a year, winning an election after spending just $32 on a campaign and being a first generation college graduate have in common? They are all accomplishments made by the School of Public Administration’s new MPA Program Chair, Dr. Craig Maher. Maher was first interested in public administration when he switched from business to political science after being influenced by one of his professors. Once he got into graduate school, Maher took up an interest in local politics, however he didn’t have a knack for public administration until he started working for a nonprofit doing budgeting and finance research. While discussing his interest in public administration, Maher shared that “public administration is a rigorous academic discipline but also has a strong applied component. That combination is rare and very exciting.” After graduating with his Master’s and PhD from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Maher started working as a research director at a local government watchdog. Three years later he accepted a full-time faculty position at University of WisconsinOshkosh where he taught for 11 years and served as department chair. During this time, Maher was elected to City Council in 2009 and then reelected with an overwhelming 87% of the vote after spending just $32 on his campaign. Maher then made a brief move to Illinois where he taught public budgeting and financial management at Northern Illinois University. In 2014 he landed in Omaha to start a faculty position at UNO. Since then, Maher has become well known around the office with his outgoing, generous personality. Over his career, Maher’s research interests have been primarily in state and local budgeting and financial management. A great deal of his research deals with looking at the effects of institutional constraints on fiscal outcomes. This involved researching policies such as Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights
and California’s Proposition 13 and the effects these policies have on financial decision-making. The most important goal for Maher, as he starts this new role as MPA Chair at UNO, is to ensure the success of the students. This means making sure top students are recruited, offering students flexible and manageable coursework and having first-rate faculty teaching the courses. Maher wants students to achieve their career goals and remain active members of the UNO School of Public Administration community. He is “committed to sustaining our high national ranking and strives to continue securing the UNO MPA Program as the premier metropolitan program in the Midwest.” When Maher is not working or researching, you will find him cycling. As an avid cyclist, he and his wife, Kerry, average 3,000 miles per year. Recently, he returned from Seattle where he rode around Mt. Rainier with friends. He and Kerry just recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. They have three children. Their oldest daughter, Aidan is a sophomore in high school and their twins, Callan and Liam, are starting fifth grade this year. Along with their children they have four very spoiled cats. As Maher takes on his new role, he is most looking forward to engaging with the students. When he was teaching, he only interacted with students who were further along in the program. Now as MPA Program Chair, he will have an opportunity to work more closely with incoming students and the MPA students overall. - Lizz Barnhart, School of Public Administration Staff Assistant
New Chair & Curriculum
New Curriculum in Effect The School of Public Administration’s faculty worked incredibly hard to improve the MPA curriculum to ensure our students are best prepared to work in a democratic and diverse society. After the NASPAA site visit in March 2012, the faculty set their sights on improving the curriculum and seeking the important input of our stakeholders: our students, alums, and the MPA advisory board. The framework used to structure the curriculum change was the five NASPAA Universal Competencies:
1. To lead & manage in public governance 2. To participate in & contribute to the public policy process 3. To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems & make decisions 4. To articulate & apply a public service perspective 5. To communicate & interact productively with a diverse & changing workforce & citizenry Faculty met in small groups to develop definitions of the above five competencies. From there, they turned to the students who met in focus groups and completed surveys to learn about their learning needs and career goals. The advisory board and alums came together to share what needs their organizations have when it comes to hiring. The skills and knowledge described were voluminous.
Below is a small sampling from what was heard from our stakeholders: • • • • • • • • •
“basic budgeting & accounting fundamentals” “ethics & accountability” “project & process management; systems thinking” “navigating in networks, alliances & collaborations” “technology management” “understand collaborative leadership” “understand how to design & utilize research” “reasoning & problem solving” “people skills—sensitivity, compassion & self- knowledge”
The new MPA Curriculum and concentrations are also available on the School of Public Administration website under MPA Curriculum. If you have any questions about these changes and how they might affect you, please contact the SPA Academic Program Coordinator, Meagan Van Gelder, or MPA Chair, Craig Maher. As always, we are committed to helping you complete the program in an expeditious manner. - Dr. Meagan Van Gelder, Academic Program Coordinator
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Moving Forward by Giving Back The School of Public Administration is highly respected for what it gives back to the Omaha community. Traditionally, this has been the result of outreach by faculty and alumni; however, it is increasingly being accomplished by students. This expansion in student involvement is a result of the school’s active embrace of service learning in the classroom. Through partnerships with public and nonprofit sector organizations, the needs of the organizations are combined with the interests and skills of the students, and the educational goals of the faculty; ultimately, generating an enriched experience for all involved.
describes her time in this course, “The hands-on experience was invaluable for putting the tools to practical use, and I felt a serious sense of accountability to really learn and understand the material in a deeper way, because our work was impacting an actual organization.” This experience as a representative for SPA, the university, and the field of public administration is at the core of Dr. Bryan’s statement that service learning is a “transformative learning experience.”
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Service learning allows students to acquire deeper knowledge, practical skills, new kinds of motivation, Dr. Tara Bryan, Assistant Professor, is My service learning and a better understanding of their currently the faculty member leading relationship to public service. experience with SPA was by personal SPA’s embrace of service learning in the The School of Public Administration’s classroom. Most recently, she incorporated far the most valuable part increased focus on service learning is service learning into her graduate course of the masters program at reflective of the school’s unwavering on strategic planning. As she explains, commitment to student empowerment. UNO. We learned to work this approach to course design “results in John Glenn, former NASA astronaut and deeper learning for the students, while also collaboratively to create U.S. Senator, described service learning providing a real added value for the local a strategic plan that was as “I hear, I forget. I see, I remember. I community organization.” Culminating in I understand.” The School of Public used by a real organization, do, the students developing and presenting Administration continues to move forward and this type of practical a strategic plan for the organization, this by affording students all three types of course resulted in both the students and application is what I signed experiential learning, which changes them the organization generating a deeper and the world. appreciation and respect for one another. up for.” -L Katherine Jarvis (MPA, 2015) powerfully - Anthony Campbell, PhD Candidate
uke Hoffman, MPA Student
Alumni ACCOMPLISHMENTS The City of Hickman has a New City Administrator: Mike Meyers In August Mike Meyers took on a new role in the City of Hickman, Nebraska, as the new City Administrator. Meyers earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNO. He is a graduate of the MPA Program, with a concentration in local government. When asked about working with the City of Hickman, Michael’s response was, “I am extremely excited to be here in Hickman and working for the community. Local government is an absolute passion of mine and it excites me to see the growth happening in Hickman. I know that what we are doing currently, as a community, will have a tremendous positive impact not only today, but also on future generations in Hickman. I look forward to continuing to meet and work with the community as it has been delightful thus far. There is quite a bit to get moving on and the community is fortunate to have such a talented staff.” (Quote found in the City of Hickman Newsletter, August 2015.)
MPA Grad Helps Build Aviation Program With nearly two decades of combined experience in the aviation industry, two northeastern Pennsylvania natives are excited to bring their passion and expertise to a new associate degree program at Lackawanna College. MPA Alumna, Deanna Stoddard (pictured on the left), earned her master’s degree with a concentration in Aviation, and is also a registered pilot. Stoddard is helping create an associate degree in Aviation Management. “We have outlined a management degree that will be useful in preparing students to work in the industry that will give them a competitive edge when they graduate.” Stoddard also plans to serve as an adjunct professor as the program takes flight. (Information and quotes found on the Lackawanna College website, “NEPA Natives Help Build Aviation Management Program.”)
Behind every great alum is a great degree. We would love to hear from you! Submit an update & photo: http://bit.ly/1QFmsb4
SCHOOL HIGHLIG The Intersection of Food & Public Health
Welcome to UNO, Dr. Bennett! DeeDee Bennett, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Emergency Services Program within the School of Public Administration. Her primary research areas include, emergency management, socially vulnerable populations during disasters, emergency communications, disaster policy and mobile wireless communications. Dr. Bennett was previously employed as a Research Scientist in the Center for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. At CACP, she contributed as lead researcher on three projects related to the following: development of accessible emergency lifelines on wireless platforms for people with disabilities; assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency in their educational and training efforts to support first responders in their ability to reach people with disabilities during emergencies; and in the development of social media activities to help vulnerable populations during disasters. Prior to her work at the CACP, she was a research engineer and laboratory manager for over six years at a mobile wireless research and design center in Georgia. Dr. Bennett received her PhD from Oklahoma State University’s Political Science Department in Fire and Emergency Management. In addition to bringing expertise in emergency management, Dr. Bennett has a unique academic background having received both her Master in Public Policy and Bachelor in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is currently a member of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). - Anthony Campbell, PhD Candidate
One of the most important things that affect public health is food. The nexus of food studies and public health should be obvious, yet a text that successfully integrates the two topics is elusive. Dr. Bryce Hoflund, along with John Jones from the Urban Studies Program at Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Dr. Michelle C. Pautz from the Department of Political Science at the University of Dayton, have received a contract from CRC Press/Taylor & Francis for an edited volume tentatively entitled, “The Intersection of Food and Public Health: Examining Current Challenges and Solutions in Policy and Politics.” The volume will cover key topics in food studies and systems as they relate to public health. Specifically, the volume will include applied and conceptual papers that provide an overview of current challenges to the food system and examine potential solutions to those challenges. The editors anticipate that the volume will include book chapters including, but not limited to, the following topics: food safety regulation, food labeling, institutional procurement of local foods, the influence of celebrity chefs on food trends and other aspects of the food system, food trucks, urban and/or rural food deserts, child and/or adult food insecurity, the organic vs. nonorganic foods debate, issues related to small vs. industrial farming, the potential for regionalization of food production, local food as economic development, the urban agriculture movement, the Farm Bill, food policy councils, community food assessments. The expected publication date for the book is early 2017. - Dr. Bryce Hoflund, Associate Professor
GHTS
Public Service Stories Project: “Ask Me Why I Care” There is a significant disconnect between the public and those in public service – with the former viewing the latter as a group of do-nothings guaranteed to get a paycheck and a pension. We all know that nothing could be further from the truth. So how do we change this misperception and set the record straight? It’s very simple: we gather stories and make them available for others to hear. Seriously. When public servants tell their stories, one point is consistently repeated: Public service isn’t about the money they earn; it’s about the good they do.
Record Number of Orientation Attendees The Master of Science in Urban Studies Program, led by Dr. Robert Blair, is kicking off the new academic year with a boom. A record number of students attended the MSUS Orientation this summer, and plan to enroll in classes this fall. Dr. Blair and the SPA are excited to welcome the upcoming urbanists of Omaha to our program. We look forward to seeing your work impact the Omaha community and beyond in the coming years. Welcome to the School of Public Administration! - Dr. Robert Blair, Urban Studies Program Chair
NEWS TO SHARE? We would love to hear from you!
Submit an update & a recent photo for a chance to be featured in the upcoming issue of The Exchange & on the SPA website. http://bit.ly/1QFmsb4 SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
A case in point: A participant in one of our SPA programs described his childhood as moving from town to town, never feeling rooted. One day, after moving yet again, he got lost and panicked. A policeman helped him find his family. “That’s when I decided I wanted to be a policeman and help people, too,” he said. • Think about the power of the commitment he described – a human response to an actual human interaction • Now think about how differently citizens would see public employees if they routinely heard such stories from them. • We believe the power of those personal ‘real-life’ stories is much more likely to move people than a rational, logical ‘justification’ of their jobs. That’s why we have been on a crusade to collect public service stories. We believe that asking public employees to tell their stories honors them, their commitment, and the work they do while reinforcing the nobility of their chosen profession. We also believe that citizens need to hear these stories. Part of our work is to get these stories into local media, social media, and classrooms. What can YOU do? Please help us get the word out about the 23 stories we are providing on video at www.publicservicestories. com. Five of them—stories from people in public budgeting and finance, are up. The rest, on health and human services (9), emergency management and transportation (5), and public safety (3) will be available soon. Take a look—it just might change your life! Mary Hamilton is Founder and Director Emeritus of the Nebraska Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) School of Public Administration. Rita Paskowitz is a professional storyteller who, among many other gigs, is a faculty member in the Nebraska CPM Program and an adjunct for the UNO College of Education. - Dr. Hamilton, Founder & Director of Nebraska CPM Program - Rita Paskowitz, Professional Storyteller
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The
School of Public Administration cordially invites you to
Munch & Mingle
Friday, September 25, 2015 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM UNO Thompson Alumni Center RSVP: unoalumni.org/eventregistration Join us for an opportunity to reconnect with the School as an alumni, network as a current student & mingle with SPA faculty & staff.