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A Legacy of貹,𲹻󾱱, and Service

From its earliest roots in political science at the ž to its consistent recognition as a top-ranked graduate program for public affairs, the School of Public and International Affairs’ journey reflects vision, growth, and impact. This timeline captures the milestones that shaped our legacy—from the launch of groundbreaking programs and centers to national rankings, global partnerships, and award-winning students and faculty. Explore the journey that brought us here.

1921-1970 +

(L to R) Merritt Pound, George S. Parthemos, R&B article announcing MPA Degree

  • 1921–1923: Master’s degree program in Political Science is listed in UGA General Catalogue
  • 1941: Department of Political Science becomes independent from History and Government; Merritt Pound (pictured above) is named first department head (1941–1962)
  • 1964:George S. Parthemos (pictured above) named first Vice President at the ž
  • 1966: Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs is listed in General Catalogue; Luster Doyle Mathis becomes first Ph.D. student (MA ’58)
  • 1966: MPA program is approved (Red & Black article featured above)
  • 1970: Dave Olson creates Legislative Internship Program

1971-1980 +

(L to R) Baldwin Hall, Arrow, Fred Manget, Arrow, Red and Black Article announcing GLOBIS

  • 1971: Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) appears in General Catalogue
  • 1971: Department of Political Science moves to Baldwin Hall
  • 1973: FredMangetis namedaRhodes Scholar
  • 1980: Globis is founded by Bill Chittick.GlobalStudies Certificate is approved.

1981-1990 +

  • 1985: First private fund isestablishedto support Department of Political Science
  • 1986: InauguralParthemosLecture is held

From L to R: Picture of Gary Bertsch with Martin Hillenbrand; arrow; UGA President Chuck Knapp and US Senator Sam Nunn; arrow; Atlanta Constitution Article about CITS forming at UGA

  • 1987: Center for International Trade and Security (CITS) is founded by Gary BertschandMartin Hillenbrand
  • 1990: Political Science minor isapproved

1991-2000 +

  • 1995: MPA program receives firstUSNWRranking—6thoverall
  • 1998: ScottHershovitzisanamed Rhodes Scholar
  • 1998: Loch Johnson convenes first žworking group, referred to as Coalition for a School of Public Affairs (COSPA)
  • 1998: Partnership with CVIOG and South Korean government is established
  • 2000: žis featured in State of the University Address

U.S. News and World Report Logo arrow Red and Black Article featuring Loch Johnson "Public Policy to be added"

2001-2005 +

  • 2001: žis approved by Board of Regents
  • 2002: Thomas Lauth is appointed first Dean of SPIA
  • 2002: žbegins operations;advisingoffice is established

Newspaper article featuring Loch Johnson

  • 2002: Department of Public Administration and Department of International Affairs areestablished
  • 2002: žbegins with 34 full-time faculty members
  • 2003: Renovations of Candler Hall are completed; it becomes home to Department of International Affairs, advising, and Dean’s Office
  • 2003: Bachelor of Arts in International Affairsis approved. Enrolls first students(222 students)

Candler Hall Rededication Ceremony; arrow; Group picture of žfirst staff on the steps of Candler Hall

  • 2003: First $1M pledge to žis booked to create the GeorgeD. Busbee Chair in Public Policy
  • 2004: žBoard of Visitors created
  • 2004: DPA becomes Ph.D. in Public Administration; all degrees are transferred
  • 2004: žtotal enrollment reaches 1,000 students

2006-2010 +

  • 2006: Inaugural Getzen Lecture on Government Accountability is held
  • 2007:The Citizen, Volume 1, Issue 1, is published
  • 2007: žhosts three-day conference “The Carter Presidency: Lessons for the 21st Century,”featuring Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, former Vice President WalterMondaleandmost living membersof the Carter administration.
  • 2008: MIP program is approved
  • 2008: Kate Vyborny and Deep Shah are named Rhodes Scholars

First Getzen Lecture headshot; arrow; group of men including Jimmy Carter; arrow; picture of Rhode Scholars Deep Shah and Kate Vborny

2011-2015 +

  • 2011: žAmbassadorprogram iscreated
  • 2012: žhosts 10th Anniversary Event; Saxby Chambliss receives inaugural Distinguished Public Service Award
  • 2012: žAlumni Board of Directors created
  • 2013: Elizabeth Allen is namedaRhodes Scholar
  • 2013: Inaugural Georgia Legislative Outlook event is held
  • 2013: Dean Lauth retires
  • 2013: Stefanie Lindquist is named Dean
  • 2014: Georgia General Assembly approves funds for Baldwin Hall annex to provide žwith more space
  • 2015: Master of Public Management partnership with South Korean officials is launched
  • 2015: Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Applied Politics isapproved

2016-2020 +

  • 2016: žcelebrates MPA program’s 50th anniversary
  • 2016: Public Policy & Management minor isapproved
  • 2016: Survey Research Center isestablished
  • 2016: InauguralWe the Peopleis published
  • 2017: Baldwin Hall renovations are completed
  • 2017: Department of Political Science celebrates 75th anniversary
  • 2017: Matthew Auer is named Dean
  • 2018: Massey Reading Room is dedicated
  • 2019:University‑wide teaching and research honors bestowed on žfaculty surpasses 100
  • 2019: Bachelor of Science in Political Science isapproved
  • 2019: Undergraduate Research Colloquium is launched
  • 2020: 100th private fund isestablishedto support SPIA
  • 2020: International Affairs minor isapproved

2021-2025 +

  • 2021: International Human Rights & Security minor isapproved
  • 2021: Data Analytics in Public Policy certificate isapproved
  • 2023: Natalie Navarrete is namedaRhodes Scholar
  • 2024: Mariah Cady is namedaRhodes Scholar
  • 2024: Areas of Emphasis are created in žmajors
  • 2025: MPA maintains top ten ranking viaUSNWRfor 30 years
  • 2025: žreaches 70+ full-time faculty members
  • 2025: Applied History Certificate (in conjunction with Franklin) isapproved
  • 2025:SPIAreceives largest current gift from the Robin and Ed Benson Foundation($2M)to rename CITS to the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade & Security
  • 2025: SPIAtotalenrollment reaches 2,000+ students
  • 2025: Political Science becomes 5th most popular major on campus
  • 2025: Pinnacle Room in Baldwin Hall is renamed in honor ofMajor GeneralArnoldL.Punaro

The Latest News from SPIA

Piecing Together SPIA’s History: The Story Behind the Cover of the 25th Anniversary Magazine
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