Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs

Floor Speech

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Mr. WARNOCK. Mr. President, today, I rise to pay tribute to the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs on its landmark 25th anniversary. I also want to recognize its leadership, including founding dean Thomas P. Lauth, who served from 2001 to 2013; dean Stefanie Lindquist, from 2013 to 2016; interim dean Robert Grafstein, from 2016 to 2017; and current dean Matthew Auer, who has led the school since 2017. For a quarter-century, the School of Public and International Affairs has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, fostering rigorous scholarship and cultivating the next generation of leaders dedicated to public service.

The school has advanced the University of Georgia's core mission of teaching, research, and service by preparing students to shape policy and strengthen communities both locally and globally. Founded in 2001, the school has distinguished itself through an unwavering commitment to academic rigor, public impact, and global engagement. By offering highly regarded programs in political science, international affairs, public administration and policy, and criminal justice, it equips students with the critical skills needed to address complex challenges at every level of government and within the private sector.

The University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs faculty comprises nationally and internationally recognized scholars whose research directly informs public policy and strengthens democratic institutions. Since its inception, the school has grown from 32 full-time faculty members and 1,000 students to more than 75 full- time faculty and over 2,000 students today. Demonstrating this profound commitment to academic excellence, alumni include 8 Truman Scholars, 7 Rhodes Scholars, 3 Schwarzman Scholars, 3 Pickering Fellows, and 36 Boren Scholars.

Furthermore, the school's global impact continues to earn well- deserved recognition. The Academic Ranking of World Universities placed it among the top 10 graduate schools worldwide for the public administration category. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranks the school fifth for Best Public Affairs Programs, third in Public Finance and Budgeting, third in Public Management and Leadership, fourth in Local Government Management, and 12th in Nonprofit Management.

On this 25th anniversary of the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs, I want to congratulate and thank its faculty, staff, students, and alumni for their enduring contributions to public service, scholarship, and leadership.

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