Greg Lukianoff, a renowned First Amendment attorney, free speech advocate, author, and president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), will speak from 6–7 p.m., October 8, at the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Lukianoff will explore free speech, knowledge creation, open dialogue, critical thinking, and resilience. Campus and community members are invited to this free lecture and discussion.
Introducing From the Field: Alumni Perspectives—a new way to bring firsthand insights from graduates of the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs. In their own words, alumni reflect on the paths they've taken, the lessons they've learned, and the ways their time at the Truman School continues to shape their impact in public service, policy, service, and leadership. Each installment offers a candid look at the real-world experiences of those who once walked our halls and now help shape communities across Missouri and beyond.
Announcement: Dr. Lael R. Keiser Named President of PMRA (2025–2027)
We are excited to share that Dr. Lael R. Keiser, respected scholar, Professor and Director of the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, has assumed the role of President of the Public Management Research Association (PMRA) for the 2025–2027 term. Previously, she served as Vice-President (2023-2025) and as an elected board member (2019-2023).
Truman School Students Showcase Capstone Projects with Public Sector Partners
Graduate students from the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs recently presented their capstone projects. In partnership with public agencies and nonprofit organizations, students applied policy analysis and problem-solving to address real-world challenges.
The Student Awards event for the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements, leadership, and service contributions of undergraduate and graduate students. This formal gathering honors recipients of scholarships, fellowships, and departmental awards, and acknowledges the efforts of students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarly excellence and community engagement.
Rachel Dicke, Senior Research Analyst, Syrus Duffy, Research Specialist II, Sara Gable, IPP Director, Jacob Hansen, Research Specialist II, and Lindsey Linkous, Graduate Research Assistant attended the annual Meeting of the Consortium of University Public Service Organizations (CUPSO), April 23 – 25, 2025, at Wichita State University.
Syrus Duffy and Lindsey Linkous presented about the Foundational Public Health Services Gap Analysis Project during a breakout session titled, How CUPSO Members Tackle Complexity and Uncertainty to Support Data-Informed Policy Decisions.
The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri is excited to welcome Dr. Scott LaCombe to the faculty in Fall 2025. Dr. LaCombe comes to Mizzou from Smith College, bringing a nationally recognized research agenda focused on American state politics, institutional design, and policy diffusion. His work combines rigorous empirical methods with a focus on democratic responsiveness and how public opinion influences policy.
Dr. Brian Kisida, an associate professor in the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, has been named to the 2025 class of Andrew Carnegie Fellows. Awarded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the fellowship is one of the highest honors in the social sciences and humanities. Dr. Kisida became the university’s first recipient after University of Missouri President Mun Choi nominated him for his impactful work in education policy.
The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri ranks 36th among Public Affairs programs in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, a testament to the programs enduring excellence, by maintaining this level of recognition for over 30 years. This placement reflects the school's commitment to academic excellence and its role in preparing students for public service careers.