Insights from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Conference 2024

I recently attended The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) 2024 Conference convened in Washington, DC. The goal of the conference is to bring together scholars and higher education practitioners to discuss best practices and new ideas. With the theme “Leading by Convening: Shaping the Future of Public Policy, Public Affairs and Public Administration,” the conference provided a platform for participants to explore the evolving landscape of public administration, and foster collaboration among institutions.

Key Themes

1) Centering Equity

Equity and social justice were centered throughout the conference. Panelists and conveners highlighted the imperative of incorporating diverse perspectives into public policy education and practice. The conference focused on a collective leadership approach and made sure to include panelists in interactive conversations around equity. There was also a focus on how to operationalize equity principles in all levels of public affairs education.

2) Administrative Strategies for Career Professionals

Administrative strategies for career professionals were prominent topics of discussion. The major theme was the need for public affairs education to teach the knowledge public servants currently need and what they will need in the future. Sessions examined how to incorporate practitioner feedback into programs and how to measure success for graduates.

3) Digital Transformation

The conference included many panels which investigated the intersection of technology, governance and society. This often focused on the role of AI in higher education. Many questions arose during these discussions including:

– How do we balance the need to train students on AI and the need to encourage original critical thinking skills?

– How do we explore the ethics of data security, the use of AI and privacy with future public servants?

– How do we incorporate equity into our understanding and application of new technology?

The NASPAA 2024 Conference highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing public affairs education in today’s world. Discussions ranged from topics as diverse as equity, continued

practitioner feedback, and technology. The various sessions left participants with much food for thought.

As the public sector continues to evolve, the collaborative efforts of educators and practitioners will be crucial in shaping a more equitable, responsive, and effective public administration landscape. This conference allowed me the opportunity to learn from other universities and colleges strategies. Looking ahead, the insights I gained from this conference will inform ongoing discussions within the Evergreen Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.