Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service
Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service
The goal of the Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service initiative is to create more racially and ethnically diverse leadership in schools of public service.
Program Goals
The goal of the Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service (FLSPS) initiative is to create more racially and ethnically diverse leadership in schools of public service. The initiative advances this goal in four primary ways:
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Engage BIPOC faculty members who are interested in exploring academic leadership;
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Cultivate a network of deans and directors of schools of public service who are committed to diversifying academic leadership and eager to support rising leaders;
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Deliver programming that aims to demystify academic leadership and share strategies to progress in institutions of higher education;
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Champion the professional advancement of BIPOC colleagues by referring program participants to academic leadership opportunities and growing the BIPOC candidate pool.
Program Co-Chairs
The program is co-chaired by Matthew Auer, dean of the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia; Nisha Botchwey, dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota; and Carissa Slotterback, dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.
What kinds of activities and resources does the FLSPS program offer for participants?
The initiative offers a range of activities for participants including:
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Quarterly virtual workshops focused on succeeding in academic leadership roles;
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One-on-one and group networking opportunities with current or former deans and directors who are “at the ready” to serve as a professional development sounding board;
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Opportunities for participants to convene as a cohort to share experiences and connect with peers;
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Routine email communications and a dedicated LinkedIn Group to share resources and foster program engagement.
Who is eligible to participate in the initiative?
Program participants are current BIPOC tenured faculty or administrators at schools of public service or related academic posts. Participants hail from all stages of the exploration process, from those still deciding whether they want to pursue leadership positions, to those who are ready to apply. The incoming 2023-24 cohort was nominated by Deans Summit members and the previous cohort of participants.
What is the role of a mentor? Who can serve as a mentor?
Program mentors are leaders of schools of public service who are committed to addressing structural racism and advancing initiative goals. Recently retired or former leaders of schools of public service are also eligible to mentor.
Mentors serve as advisors, workshop leads, and professional coaches for participants. The initiative is anchored by a network mentoring model, allowing participants to interact with a range of mentors with different backgrounds and expertise from across the nation.
Mentors are thoughtful, passionate about public service, and eager to welcome a broader range of people to the venues where leaders typically engage. Mentors will receive best practices and helpful readings to sharpen their mentorship skills.
Who administers the program and provides the services?
The program originated in the Deans Summit and was conceived of by a group of deans and directors of schools of public service who are committed to addressing structural racism. Seeking to build a more diverse community of peers, these deans and directors established the Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service program. Deans Matthew Auer, Nisha Botchwey, and Carissa Slotterback volunteered to serve as co-chairs of the program during its first two years and help organize and operate the initiative. The Volcker Alliance is staffing the initiative during its pilot period.