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.

Policy Camp with TSGPA and APPAM

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.

John Inazu, a leading constitutional scholar and legal expert, will speak at the University of Missouri from 6 to 7 p.m. on April 3 in Memorial Union, Room N201.

Inazu will discuss the art of healthy disagreement — why it matters, how we can practice it, and how it can strengthen our relationships and communities.

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Differing political perspectives are a part of everyday life, but navigating conversations with those who have different views isn’t always easy. But what if students had the tools to turn those disagreements into meaningful discussions?

Art & Science of Philanthropy event brings together non-profit leaders and scholars

The Art & Science of Philanthropy symposium on March 7, 2025 gathered scholars and nonprofit leaders to explore donor behavior, nonprofit sustainability, and philanthropy’s role in advocacy. Organized by the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, the event was led by faculty members Jennifer Mayo, Brian Kisida, and Lael Keiser. 

For the past two years, Master of Public Administration (MPA) students at the Truman School have had the unique opportunity to engage directly with public affairs professionals through a recurring luncheon series called “Insightful Bites”. This interactive event allows students to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, providing firsthand exposure to the complexities of public service.