Delivering on the promise of democracy and public service

At the School of Government & Public Policy (SGPP), we believe a healthy democracy depends on well-informed citizens, ethical leaders, and public institutions that serve the common good. As a multidisciplinary school at the University of Arizona, we are well positioned to prepare new generations of civic leaders, policy innovators, and engaged public servants who will help build a more just, compassionate, and resilient democracy.

Our faculty are national leaders in fields that shape the future of public life: from collaborative governance and national security to environmental policy, criminal justice reform, and the psychology of democratic participation. Our dedicated team work tirelessly to create pathways for students to thrive in classrooms, communities, and careers, placing hundreds of students each year in internships, fellowships, and leadership opportunities that transform lives and communities alike. We prepare graduates not just for successful careers in public, nonprofit, and private sectors, but to make lasting, meaningful contributions to the democratic institutions and civil society that sustain us all.

OUR PURPOSE IS CLEAR

Together, we empower individuals to become informed, compassionate, and courageous leaders, dedicated to advancing public service, strengthening democratic institutions, and advancing the public good.

OUR VISION IS BOLD

Together, we help create a world where policy and governance solve society’s most urgent challenges, and where democracy is defended, expanded, and made meaningful in people’s everyday lives.

OUR VALUES GUIDE US

interdisciplinary curiosity    civic excellence    compassionate service

impactful collaboration    resilient community

Through our SGPP@20 Action Plan, we are called to fulfill not just our own potential as a school, but to help our democracy fulfill its promise. We have charted an ambitious plan for the next three years. Rooted in the University of Arizona’s Delivering on our Promise strategic imperatives, and structured to parallel the strategic plan of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, our SGPP@20 Action Plan features concrete actions to enhance our academic programs, advance groundbreaking research, foster deeper community engagement, build a first-class team, and cultivate an enterprise of integrity, care, and innovation.

We have empowered our Values in Action Committee to monitor and evaluate our progress towards these SGPP@20 Action Plan goals in the lead up to SGPP's 20th anniversary in Fall 2029.

We invite you to partner with us and support us in this essential work. Together, we can help deliver on the promise of democracy and ensure that public service remains not just a profession, but a shared commitment to one another and to the future we all deserve.

Pillar 1: Academics

Goal #1: Champion and elevate student excellence by improving access, engagement, retention, and advancement

As one of the largest and most diverse Schools at the U of A, SGPP is uniquely positioned to lead in addressing the interconnected challenges of student access, retention, engagement, and advancement. Our scale, breadth of programs, and commitment to equity give us both the responsibility and the capacity to turn these challenges into opportunities for transformative impact.

Goal #2: Adapt and evolve our first-class education by embracing innovation, strengthening relevance, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world

In an era of rapid change — from growing public skepticism about the value of higher education to the transformative rise of AI  — we have the opportunity to lead with vision. With our strong academic foundation, innovative faculty, connections in the community and across campus, and commitment to student-centered learning, we are well positioned to reimagine and reinforce the enduring relevance of a first-class education.

Goal #3: Prepare students to be compassionate, courageous public sector leaders who uphold democratic values and rebuild public trust 

At a time when public institutions face declining trust and increasing scrutiny, we see an urgent opportunity to reaffirm the value of public service. As a School whose graduates commonly enter the public sector, we are uniquely positioned, and deeply obligated, to prepare the next generation of principled, compassionate leaders who will strengthen democratic institutions and serve the public good with integrity.

Pillar 2: Research

Goal #4: Build a world-class research environment that fosters innovation, supports collaboration, and drives solutions to the most pressing issues of our time 

In a time of intensifying global challenges, the demand for rigorous, relevant, and responsive research has never been greater. As a School rooted in interdisciplinary excellence and public impact, we are well positioned to cultivate a research environment that not only advances knowledge but also shapes policy and practice on the world stage.

Goal #5: Grow and diversify our research portfolio by expanding partnerships, pursuing new funding opportunities, and amplifying underrepresented voices and topics 

As funding landscapes shift and societal needs evolve, there is a growing imperative to expand the scope, sources, and impact of academic research. By leveraging our faculty’s expertise across disciplines, deep community connections, and commitment to public good, we are well positioned to grow a research portfolio that attracts new partners, reflects a broader range of perspectives, and responds to urgent challenges.

Goal #6: Apply research to strengthen democracy by informing policy, strengthening civic institutions, and advancing evidence-based solutions to democratic challenges 

Democratic institutions around the world are facing rising threats from misinformation, polarization, declining civic engagement, and weakening public trust. At the same time, there is a growing demand for research that not only explains these dynamics but actively informs solutions. With SGPP's deep strengths in public policy, governance, equity, and civic leadership, we are uniquely positioned to generate and apply research that fortifies democracy and supports inclusive, accountable institutions.

Pillar 3: Engagement

Goal #7: Deepen collaboration with our supporters and community partners

The success of SGPP is made possible by the breadth and depth of our partnerships with a wide network of supporters (alumni, donors, and advocates) and community colleagues who share our mission and values. We have the opportunity to deepen these connections by recognizing their impact, inviting them into our story, and co-creating the future of the School together.

Goal #8: Increase the local, national, and global impact of our training, research, and outreach 

Local, national, and global communities are central to the land-grant mission of our university and school. Yet, it is easy to remain siloed from the people and places we aim to serve.  By listening, learning, and working alongside communities, we can create research, teaching, and service that are truly responsive and reciprocal.

Goal #9: Collaborate to strengthen democracy and advance civic resilience locally, nationally, and globally

Strengthening democracy is not the work of a single discipline or institution; it requires collaboration across boundaries. As threats to democratic norms intensify, there is an urgent need for cross-sector, cross-disciplinary alliances. SGPP's collaborative ethos, policy expertise, and commitment to civic engagement position us to lead and convene efforts that strengthen democratic systems and values.

Pillar 4: Team

Goal #10: Celebrate the contributions of faculty, instructors, and staff by creating a culture of recognition, gratitude, and shared success

Behind every successful student, research breakthrough, and community partnership is a dedicated team of faculty and staff. Yet in the rush of academic life, the essential contributions of our people can go unrecognized. As a School committed to public purpose and community, we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to celebrate the everyday excellence, care, and commitment of those who make our mission possible.

Goal #11: Cultivate excellence across our team by supporting career development, mentoring, and a culture of continuous learning

Excellence is not just hired; it is cultivated. In a rapidly changing higher education environment, it is vital to support professional growth, mentorship, and leadership development at every career stage. With our diverse and talented community, we are well positioned to foster a thriving organization that invests in its people and grows future leaders from within.

Goal #12: Practice leadership in democratic and ethical ways by fostering transparency, inclusion, accountability, and kindness across our School

If we are to prepare students to lead in democratic and ethical ways, we must model those same values in our own practices. That includes how we make decisions, share power, resolve conflict, and uphold equity within SGPP. We have the opportunity to build a workplace that not only functions efficiently but also reflects the democratic, ethical principles we teach.

Pillar 5: Enterprise

Goal #13: Elevate our profile and enhance our visibility by strategically showcasing our people, research, and public impact

In a competitive and crowded academic and policy landscape, visibility matters. To attract top talent, amplify our research, and influence public discourse, we must actively tell our story — one grounded in public purpose, academic excellence, and community impact. With world-class faculty, award-winning staff, high-achieving students, and a record of meaningful contributions, we are poised to elevate SGPP's profile on every stage.

Goal #14: Build and steward collective spaces that support connection, creativity, and community across the School

Space is more than a physical asset; it shapes how we connect, collaborate, and belong. As our community grows and evolves, we have the opportunity to reimagine our shared spaces to be more inclusive, accessible, and conducive to meaningful exchange. By designing with intention, we can foster environments that support our mission and reflect our values.

Goal #15: Advance environmental responsibility by embedding sustainable practices in our operations, planning, and culture

As a school that educate for the public good, we must also lead by example in how we steward resources. From everyday practices to long-term planning, we have the opportunity to reduce our environmental impact and align our operations with our values of sustainability, equity, and intergenerational responsibility.