Department of Public Policy Leadership

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. The 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.

Studying Public Policy Leadership

We firmly believe that leaders are made, not born. To excel in domains such as politics, law, and government, the ability to think critically, navigate complex challenges, and uphold ethical standards are vital in an ever-changing global landscape. Through a dynamic collaboration between the College of Liberal Arts and the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, our mission is to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. Students must apply to the Lott Institute in order to be admitted to the Public Policy Leadership major.

Our students explore a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Policy and Public Administration
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science

 

Learn more about Public Policy Leadership from our faculty and students.

After Graduation

Our graduates establish a wide range of careers and become leaders of their organizations because of the core set of skills at the heart of our liberal arts education. You find our alumni working in many sectors of the economy, including:

  • Government and Military
  • Business and Finance
  • Community Services and Non-Profit Organizations
  • Education
  • Law
  • STEM
  • Healthcare

Department of Public Policy Leadership Faculty

Our faculty are experts in policy and public administration, equipping students with critical skills and insight to lead in complex policy environments.
Weixing Chen

Weixing Chen

  • Chair and Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Henry Barbour

Henry Barbour

  • Adjunct Instructor in Public Policy Leadership
Melissa Bass

Melissa Bass

  • Associate Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Kyle Fritz

Kyle Fritz

  • Associate Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Joseph Holland

Joseph Holland

  • Associate Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Ivy Liu

Ivy Liu

  • Assistant Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Dom Novelli

Dom Novelli

  • Instructional Assistant Professor of Public Policy Leadership
David Rutherford

David Rutherford

  • Associate Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Christian Sellar

Christian Sellar

  • Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Zach Vereb

Zach Vereb

  • Assistant Professor of Public Policy Leadership
Charles Pickering

Charles Pickering

  • Adjunct Instructor in Public Policy Leadership

Hear from our Students!

Get the perspective from our students.

Adam Maatallah

Adam Maatallah

  • Student Government

Tell us about an influential professor.

See Adam’s Answer
Tyren Boyd

Tyren Boyd

  • Service and Community Engagement
  • Student Government

What are your plans after graduation?

See Tyren’s Answer
Bekah Woodruff

Bekah Woodruff

  • Greek Life
  • Student Government

How do you participate in community engagement?

See Bekah’s Answer
Clara White

Clara White

What would you tell a high school student about your major?

See Clara’s Answer