About Public Policy Leadership

Welcome to the Department of Public Policy Leadership. Find out about our department and what we offer.

Student turned to side presenting to people around her.

What We Do

The Department of Public Policy Leadership provides a challenging undergraduate major that prepares high-performing students for positions of leadership in an increasingly complex world. Our interdisciplinary program emphasizes the global nature of responsible decision making, the ethical imperatives of leadership, critical thinking, communication skills, and the conceptual and methodological skills necessary for careful policy analysis.

Who We Are

The Public Policy Leadership faculty are innovative researchers and teachers committed to upholding UM’s reputations for top-tier research and outstanding education. Many of the faculty in our department also bring practical knowledge from firsthand experience working actively in the realm of public affairs and government.

What We Offer

The department offers a minor and major in public policy leadership. Find detailed information about our programs and how to apply from the link below.

Welcome from the Chair

portrait of Mark ChenWelcome to Public Policy Leadership (PPL)! PPL is an interdisciplinary program that inspires and prepares students for positions of leadership in an increasingly complex world. It provides a free, open, and inclusive environment of intellectual inquiry and superior learning and enriching experience.

PPL students pursue internships in areas such as law, politics, media affairs, non-profits, finance, technology, medicine, education, science, and law enforcement while in school and careers in those areas and graduate education in law, public policy, social sciences, humanities, business, education, media affairs, and medicine after graduation. While on campus, students take seminar-style courses from stimulating professors across academic disciplines and are actively involved in student and academic activities.

Start your journey with PPL and start to explore if you aspire to be change agents, are passionate about policies, and have curiosity for the unknown and desires to be problem solvers. 

If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Mark Chen
Chair and Professor of Public Policy Leadership
wchen3@olemiss.edu
662-915-7347

  • Brick building on Ole Miss Campus; Trent Lott Leadership Institute

    Trent Lott Leadership Institute

    The Public Policy Leadership (PPL) Department is a department within the UM College of Liberal Arts that works in collaboration with Trent Lott Leadership Institute. Students must be admitted to the Lott Institute in order to become a major in public policy leadership. The Lott Institute offers a wide range of leadership and outreach programs that work to enrich the lives and enhance the abilities of students, both high school and college students.

    Trent Lott Leadership Institute