News and Events
Public Policy undergrad selected as Truman Scholar
Posted 2007-03-27
This March Kelsey Yamasaki, an undergraduate public policy and political science double-major, was selected for the prestigious and extremely competitive Truman Scholarship. Kelsey, a native of Hawaii, is just one of 65 scholars chosen from over 700 nominations and 233 finalists from across the United States. Richard Caldwell, IPPS Co-Director, serves as DU's Truman Faculty Representative.
Founded in 1975 by an act of Congress signed by President Gerald Ford, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation is a living memorial to our 33rd president. The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 in funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. In addition, the Foundation provides assistance with career counseling, internship placement, graduate school admissions, and professional development. For more information about the Truman Scholarship Foundation, please visit the website at http://www.truman.gov.
Gov. Owens joins IPPS
Posted 2007-01-24
University of Denver Chancellor Robert Coombe announced today that former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has been appointed a senior fellow in DU's Institute for Public Policy Studies. Owens will work with another former Colorado governor, Richard Lamm, who has been involved with the University's public policy programs since 1987.
Owens, who left office earlier this month after serving eight years as governor, will write and conduct research on state, federal and international issues. He will participate in symposia and will guest-lecture in DU classes.
"Governor Owens' long service to the State of Colorado has allowed him to gain a depth of knowledge about important public policy issues that will further enhance a DU program that is growing in stature," said Coombe. "We're pleased to have two former Colorado governors working together on issues affecting the citizens of Colorado and the U.S., and I know that our students will benefit from Governor Owens joining the University."
The Institute for Public Policy Studies is committed to the development of tomorrow's policy leaders through an innovative, analytical core curriculum that emphasizes cost-effective, market-based alternatives to contemporary issues. Founded in 2000 to coordinate and enhance DU's academic public policy programs, the Institute comprises the Undergraduate Program in Public Policy (major and minor in public policy), Graduate Program in Public Policy (Master of Public Policy, MPP), and the Center for Public Policy and Contemporary Issues.
"The University of Denver serves as a model for institutions of higher education. Here is a place where the experience of learning is truly valued," said Owens. "I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with my good friend, Dick Lamm. He and I agree on many things and, on others, we agree to disagree. That leads to very interesting discussions, and discussion is the key."
Other Colorado politicians have been associated with DU's public policy programs. Hank Brown, currently president of the University of Colorado, served as co-director from 1997-1998. He left the position to become president of the University of Northern Colorado and later, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. Colorado State Sen. Peter Groff is a lecturer in the Institute and also is executive director of DU's Center for African American Policy.
"A dynamic leader will join a dynamic program at an exciting time for DU and for our institute," said Lamm. "We are enriched by his presence."
Eugene Bardach to teach Great Issues Forum
Posted 2006-11-27
The Institute for Public Policy Studies is proud to announce that Eugene Bardach, author of A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path To More Effective Problem Solving, will teach a Great Issues Forum on January 19 & 20.
Dr. Bardach is an emeritus professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. His book on policy analysis is used by public policy programs across the United States, including DU's.
This forum will be geared toward helping DU's graduate public policy students prepare for their Policy Memorandums.
The Great Issues Forums are a series of policy seminars focused on the nation's most important issues. The Graduate Program in Public Policy offers five of these two-day, full-day courses every year for two quarter-hours of credit each. Students must complete six Forums (12 credits) in order to earn the Master of Public Policy (MPP). The topics of these seminars rotate frequently, as expertise and events warrant, and are an integral part of the MPP program.
Faculty position posted - apply now
Posted 2006-10-08
The University of Denver’s Institute for Public Policy Studies is recruiting an outstanding candidate for the position of Lecturer of Public Policy to commence fall 2007. One of America’s most dynamic private universities, the University of Denver offers both an evidence-based, analytical, two-year masters degree program in public policy (MPP) and an undergraduate degree (BA) in public policy.
The successful candidate will provide evidence of excellence in teaching or the ability to demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching. Responsibilities include: 1) teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in public policy; 2) student advising; 3) service to the Institute, division, university, and larger community. The candidate hired should be prepared to demonstrate expertise in the techniques of policy analysis and versatility in terms substantive concentrations. Such areas of concentration may include federal budgetary policy, entitlement policy, education policy, national security policy, regulatory policy, tax policy, or law and public policy, among others. The successful candidate will have an interest in and ability to teach courses in at least two substantive areas of public policy and capstone courses for 2nd year graduate students that focus on the refinement and evaluation of students’ research, writing, analytical, and presentation skills. The ideal candidate will possess an enthusiasm for teaching and an understanding of the necessity to frequently adapt and update teaching materials to keep pace with the constantly evolving field of public policy. The candidate hired should have a strong relationship with the national policy community and will be expected to develop active contacts within the community of policy makers and decision leaders.
The qualified applicant will have a Ph.D. in public policy or a closely related field (ABD considered). Candidates are expected to have completed their Ph.D. by September 1, 2007. The position is nine months, non-tenure track, and available for renewal upon annual review. Salary is competitive.
To apply please visit http://www.dujobs.org. Review of applications will begin October 2006 and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Denver is an AA/EO employer.
MPP Open House
Posted 2006-07-26
The Graduate Program in Public Policy will host its annual Open House for prospective students on Thursday, November 16, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., in the Renaissance Room South of the Mary Reed Building. Click here for a map and directions: http://www.du.edu/maps/mary_reed.html
Join our directors, instructors and students to learn how the M.P.P. can help advance your career.
RSVP by November 9 to Jonathan John at 303-871-2468 or ipps@du.edu
Hard Choices in Public Policy
Posted 2006-07-19
10 Wednesday Sessions, September 13 - November 15
7-9 a.m.
$750/person
Benefitting the Lamm Scholarship Fund
To register, call 303-871-2291 or visit http://www.universitycollege.du.edu/enrichment
Hard Choices is a lively, unfettered discussion led by Colorado’s most outspoken public policy thinker. Former three-term Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm leads an exploration of bold and creative solutions to the most important issues facing the United States, including health care, education, crime, welfare, immigration, environmental protection, and national security, among others. Each morning begins bright and early (coffee provided) with an overview of the various dimensions of an issue and the solutions proposed by Republicans and Democrats to solve it. Gov. Lamm then opens the floor to class participants, who debate the issue among themselves. Class discussions are energetic, creative, insightful, and always entertaining. Whether you’re a political enthusiast, political professional, or an interested citizen, this is a rare opportunity to explore and discuss America’s most pressing issues under the guidance of one of America’s most admired leaders.
Fall forum to spotlight urban public education reform
Posted 2006-07-19
This fall the Graduate Program in Public Policy will offer a Great Issues Forum on urban education reform called “Fixing America's City Schools: History, Strategies and Impact.”
The Forum will be taught by Van Schoales, a program officer for urban education at the Denver-based Piton Foundation.
The two-day seminar will explore the history and impact of various public policy strategies to improve America’s urban public education systems. It will include a brief history of America’s 20th century efforts to educate all children and will emphasize current movements, such as standards, accountability, school choice, teacher quality, and district redesign, among others. Students will explore several case studies and be expected to draft a detailed set of evidence-based improvement strategies for Denver.
Before moving to the Piton Foundation in June 2006, Mr. Schoales served as the executive director of the Colorado Small Schools Initiative at the Colorado Children’s Campaign and the founding principal and CEO of The Odyssey Charter School in Stapleton. He earned an M.Sc. in geological sciences from Brown University and an M.A. in education from Stanford. In 2003 he was named an American Marshall Memorial Fellow.
The Great Issues Forums are a series of policy seminars focused on the nation’s most important current issues. The Graduate Program offers five of these two-day, full-day courses every year for two quarter-hours of academic credit. Students must complete six Forums (12 hours) in order to earn the Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.). The topics of these seminars rotate frequently, as expertise and events warrant, and are an integral part of the M.P.P. program.
In addition to “Fixing America’s City Schools,” the Graduate Program will offer one other Forum in the fall. “The Policymaking Environment,” taught by Andrew Busch, Ph.D., a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif., is offered every year as an introductory course on the foundations of the American government.
JBC analyst teaches budgeting course
Posted 2006-07-19
This spring Alexis Senger, chief legislative analyst for the Colorado General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee, taught “Public Management and Budgeting” for the Graduate Program in Public Policy.
“Public Management” is part of the MPP program’s core curriculum. This year the course focused on both the “hardware” (structural balance, rainy day funds, revenues and expenditures) and the “software” (transparency of the process, lobbying, providers and advocates, media, and elections) of budgeting.
The course featured several prominent guest speakers, including Rep. Andrew Romanoff (Speaker, Colorado House of Representatives), lobbyist Todd Saliman, and Mel Thompson (Budget Director, Office of Budget & Management, City and County of Denver).
At the end of the quarter students were required to present policy recommendations for the Colorado State Parks budget to a panel of experts comprised of Lisa Esgar (Budget Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing), Lyle Laverty (Director, Colorado State Parks), Bill Levine (Budget Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources), Elling Mykebust (Chief Financial Officer, Colorado State Parks), and Gary Thorson (Deputy Director, Colorado State Parks).
Ms. Senger is a lecturer in the Graduate Program in Public Policy. For over a decade she has been chief legislative analyst for the Colorado General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee, where she helps the JBC determine the state’s annual budget. Prior to that position she worked for the Texas Research League, a research consortium funded by Texas business, and consulted various public and non-profit interests. Ms. Senger earned a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. In 2003, she was named an American Marshall Memorial Fellow and in 2001 she was named a Legislative Staff Management Institute Fellow at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.
In February 2005 Ms. Senger taught a Great Issues Forum on state ballot initiatives. She will teach “Public Management” again this fall.
Publication on the Future of Higher Education
Posted 2006-03-10
The Institute for Public Policy Studies proudly announces the publication of The Future of Higher Education: A Scenario Evaluation of Its Prospects and Challenges by Adjunct Professors Natasha Léger and Robert Avila. The Future of Higher Education is a new kind of analysis of the challenges facing American higher education. It is a must read for anyone involved in the education field. Unlike other books written on education, Avila and Léger do not repeat what’s wrong with higher education. Instead, they uniquely capture the social, political and economic trends impacting higher education today and present readers with eight plausible snapshots of the future. In eight scenarios, Avila and Léger challenge the strategic assumptions of institutions of higher education and the return on investment of a college degree, as faculty, parents, students, employers, and policymakers are forced to adapt to the pressures of rising costs, increasing global competition, cultural change and new technologies. When you read these scenarios you will feel like you have been fast-forwarded into the future and are actually living it. The Future of Higher Education should be required reading for anyone engaged in serious planning sessions or discussion around preparing for the future.
The Future of Higher Education is available at www.amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com and www.Tatteredcover.com.
Lamm and Lamm: Life Lessons Shared
Posted 2006-02-20
Together, Dick and Dottie Lamm have weathered three governorships, two senate races and 42 years of marriage. They've agreed and disagreed on issues running the political, social and personal spectrum. Today they continue to raise provocative questions and provide influential answers. While Dick speaks out on issues of immigration and healthcare, Dottie tackles women's and children's rights. It's clear that together and separately they've learned their fair share of life lessons.
Join Dick and Dottie as they openly and honestly share some of those most important lessons: What truisms of life have they learned from experiences in education, law, healthcare and politics? Have the recipes for success changed over the decades? What have they learned about winning and losing, and being in and out of the public eye? As models for public service, what advice would they give on becoming and staying involved? Don't miss this one-of-a-kind forum with one of Colorado's favorite couples.
Two Sessions
Tuesday, April 25, and Thursday, April 27
7-9 p.m.
DU Campus
$120
Sponsored by DU's University College Enrichment Program
To register: Call 303-871-2291 or visit http://www.universitycollege.du.edu/enrichment
Joint Budget Committee analyst to teach MPP course
Posted 2006-02-13
Alexis Senger, the chief legislative analyst for the Colorado General Assembly's Joint Budget Committee (JBC), will teach "Public Management and Budgeting" this spring.
For over a decade Ms. Senger has been the JBC's chief legislative analyst, where she helps the JBC determine the state's annual budget. Prior to that position she worked for the Texas Research League, a research consortium funded by Texas business, and consulted various public and non-profit interests. In 2003 Ms. Senger was named an American Marshall Memorial Fellow, making her part of an elite group of 33 Coloradans who have traveled to Europe over the past six years to study transatlantic relations. In 2001 she was named a Legislative Staff Management Institute Fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, where she studied representative government at the state (legislative) level. Ms. Senger earned a Master of Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas - Austin.
Ms. Senger is not new to DU's classrooms. In February 2004 she taught a Great Issues Forum for the Graduate Program in Public Policy on state ballot initiatives.
"Public Management and Budgeting" is one of seven required courses for students in DU's Graduate Program in Public Policy, which offers the Master of Public Policy (MPP). This year students will work in small teams to draft a "real world" budget for a state entity, which they will present to a panel of professional budget experts at the end of the quarter.
Europeans explore American suburbs
Posted 2006-01-12
The Institute hosted five European leaders this fall as part of the month-long, multi-state Marshall Memorial Fellowship. The Fellows visited Colorado to learn about the culture and politics of the American suburbs.
The European cohort comprised Martin Hermann (Royal Danish Embassy in Nepal), Tzvetalina Petrova-Genova (Black Sea Regional Agency for Energy Management, Bulgaria), Simona Popescu (Romanian Environment Initiative Center), Margarita Pournara (Katimerini Newspaper, Greece), and Christiane Zerfass (German Confederation of Trade Unions).
The Europeans' itinerary began with a discussion of suburban business development hosted by the Southeast Business Partnership (SEBP). The meeting, organized by SEBP public policy director Kristi Pollard and Michael Accardi (MPP '06), featured presentations by Bud Hover (Center for Tax Policy), John Lay (President, SEBP), Trish Layton (VP, SEBP), Craig Maraschky (Douglas County Housing Partnership), Frank Jaeger (Parker Water & Sanitation), Mayor Nancy Sharpe (Greenwood Village), Rep. Jim Sullivan, Ray Wells (R.S. Wells), and Douglas County Commissioner Bernie Zimmer.
The Europeans then enjoyed a presentation on developing Highlands Ranch by Steve Ormiston (VP of Planning, Shea Homes Colorado), followed by a driving tour of the 90,000-person development.
The Fellows explored suburban politics and religion by meeting first with Dr. Jim Sullivan at his 5,000-member Cherry Hills Community Church to discuss CHCC community and international outreach programs as well as the importance of religion in the suburbs. Later, the Fellows met with political strategist Mike Ciletti (Phaseline Strategies) to hear abut the nuts-and-bolts of American campaigns.
The European Fellows then met with Keith Simon (RidgeGate Community Development Director) in an office overlooking Lone Tree's RidgeGate development, an area that will eventually be one of Colorado's largest, most densely populated transit-oriented developments.
After spending the day in Denver's suburbs, the European Fellows headed to Stapleton, Denver's largest "in-fill" development, where they were guided through the community by Landri Taylor (VP of Community Affairs, Forest City Stapleton, Inc.).
Finally, the Europeans enjoyed a reception at the Lowry loft of nonprofit consultant Khanh Nguyen (COMMF '04) and husband Doug Snyder. The reception featured a presentation on the redevelopment of the Lowry Air Force base by Tom Markum (Lowry Redevelopment Authority) and architect Jim Hartman. The event was attended by many Colorado Marshall Memorial Fellows, including CU Regent Michael Carrigan, Ed Guajardo Lucero (The Colorado Trust), Pilar Ingargiola (Health Think), Yolanda Quesada (First Data Western Union Foundation), Kyle Sargent (Colorado Division of Mental Health), Alexis Senger (Joint Budget Committee, Colorado General Assembly), and Darius Smith (Denver Anti-Discrimination Office). Several nonprofit leaders were also in attendance, including Maeghan Collins (Brett Family Foundation), Jeff Hirota (The Denver Foundation), Susan Hill (Caring for Colorado Foundation), Barclay Jones (Mile High United Way), Lisa Roy (The Piton Foundation), and nonprofit consultant Dana Scott.
The following day the Europeans met with Bob Watkins (Planning Director, City of Aurora) to learn about Denver's largest suburb and "sister city." The Fellows then embarked on individual professional appointments with Carrie Doyle (Colorado Environmental Coalition), Vicki Ayber-Sterling (Denver Art Museum), Jennifer Schaufele (Denver Regional Council of Governments - DRCOG), Darius Smith (Denver Anti-Discrimination Office), and a speech/debate class at East High School.
The Europeans concluded their visit by spending Friday night riding with the Denver Police and then taking some much needed relaxation time in the mountains.
Four Coloradans chosen for Fellowship
Posted 2006-01-12
This fall the German Marshall Fund (GMF) announced 57 new American Marshall Memorial Fellows from 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Four Colorado Fellows were selected: Michael J. Carrigan (Of Counsel, Holland & Hart; Member, University of Colorado Board of Regents), Terrance D. Carroll (Associate Attorney, Isaacson Rosenbaum; Colorado State Representative, District 7), Yolanda Quesada (Regional Program Director, First Data Western Union Foundation), and Roberto A. Venegas (City Council Liaison, Office of Mayor Hickenlooper).
The Fellows will spend three weeks in Europe in 2006 learning about governmental institutions and exploring economic, political and social issues. The Fellowship is designed to introduce American leaders to Europe and the importance of the transatlantic relationship, and equip them to work with European counterparts on a range of international and domestic issues.
American Fellows travel to Brussels for briefings on European institutions and then to cities in northern, central and southern Europe. The Fellows complete their Fellowship in Berlin or Paris.
The Colorado Fellows were selected through a competitive process coordinated by the Institute, a GMF Regional Partner. They join an elite group of 33 Colorado leaders who have traveled to Europe over the past six years.
GMF is an American organization that promotes cooperation between the U.S. and Europe in the spirit of the postwar Marshall Plan. GMF was created in 1972 by a gift from the German people as a permanent memorial to Marshall Plan aid.
Think for Yourself!
Posted 2006-01-12
Institute instructor Steve Hindes, M.D., M.P.H., has published Think for Yourself, an essay on cutting through the babble, the bias, and the hype. Think for Yourself is the text used in the graduate and undergraduate programs' core course "Analytical and Critical Skills."
In addition to teaching "Analytical and Critical Skills" and "Medical Policy and the American Health Care System" for the Institute for Public Policy Studies, Dr. Hindes is a board certified family physician in private practice. He earned his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Think for Yourself is available at the Tattered Cover and Amazon.com.
Hard Choices: Retiring the Baby Boomers
Posted 2005-12-13
Hard Choices in Public Policy: The Challenge of Retiring the Baby Boomers
The first of America's 76 million Baby Boomers began retiring in 2005, presenting the United States with a demographic revolution and one of the most critical public policy issues of our time.
Join three-term Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm as he explores the policy issues related to this potential national crisis, including Social Security and Medicare reform, health care, intergenerational equity, the role of government, and expectations for individual responsibility.
Hard Choices in Public Policy:
The Challenge of Retiring the Baby Boomers
5 Wednesday Sessions, February 8 - March 8
7-9 a.m.
$325
Proceeds benefit the Gov. Richard D. Lamm Scholarship Fund.
To register, call 303-871-2291 or visit http://www.universitycollege.du.edu/enrichment
MPP open house
Posted 2005-10-10
The University of Denver’s Graduate Program in Public Policy will host its annual Open House for prospective students on Thursday, November 10, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., in the Renaissance Room South of the Mary Reed Building (see map).
The event will feature brief comments by:
- Gov. Richard D. Lamm (Co-Director, Institute for Public Policy Studies; Colo. Governor ‘75-‘87)
- Richard A. Caldwell (Co-Director, Institute for Public Policy Studies; MPP Program Director)
- Sen. Peter C. Groff (Instructor; President Pro Tem, Colorado State Senate)
- Steve Hindes, M.D. M.P.H. (Instructor; full-time family physician)
- Devon P. Lynch, Ph.D. (Instructor)
- Natasha Léger, J.D., M.A. (Instructor)
The Open House will be a good opportunity for you to speak with some of our current graduate students about their experiences in the program. In addition, Mandy Jameson (IPPS Assistant Director) and Jonthan John will be ready to answer your questions about financial aid and the admissions process.
RSVP by November 8 by contacting Jonathan John at 303-871-2468 or jjohn@du.edu.
Winter quarter 2006 application deadline
Posted 2005-10-10
Winter Quarter 2006 application deadline: November 16
The Graduate Program in Public Policy's application deadline for Winter Quarter 2006 (January-March) is Wednesday, November 16.
The Graduate Program, which offers the Master of Public Policy (MPP), accepts applications for the fall, winter and spring quarters. The application deadline for Spring Quarter 2006 (March-June) is Wednesday, February 1, and the application deadline for Fall Quarter 2006 (September-November) is Wednesday, February 15.
For more information about the application process, click here.
Institute publishes education scorecard
Posted 2005-10-03
The Institute for Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver recently released its Public Education Scorecard, a tool designed to help the average voter examine issues troubling public education.
The Institute for Public Policy Studies recognizes that taxpayers are inundated with carefully- spun information and advocacy positions. It is increasingly difficult for non-experts to understand and evaluate policy issues. The Institute responded with its Scorecard Initiative to create a quick and easy tool to help average Americans. The Public Education Scorecard is the first in a series of scorecards.
The Scorecard is not a ranking tool. It is a lens that enables the average person to critically view education issues presented by the press, politicians and school administrators. The Institute’s Scorecard looks at college affordability, student debt, labor market demands, “No Child Left Behind,” the achievement gap and teacher quality. Through easy-to-read narrative and statistics from a variety of reputable sources, the Scorecard helps taxpayers to understand the role, present and future of public education.
The Scorecard analyzes education issues in five sections:
*Policy issues & background
*The “real” problem
*Proposed policy & solutions
*How to evaluate the policy proposals
*Questions to ask
The Scorecard may be viewed here.
Hard choices in public policy
Posted 2005-06-30
Open the newspaper any day of the week and you’ll see the same thing: politicians arguing with each other about our country’s most serious problems…while the problems become even more problematic. In some cases we’ve been fighting about the same issues for years, especially looming, long-term ones like health care and Social Security reform. The Institute for Public Policy Studies (IPPS) and the University College Enrichment Program are proud to offer you a unique opportunity to confront these issues head-on.
Hard Choices in Public Policy is a lively, unfettered discussion led by Colorado's most outspoken public policy thinker. Former three-term Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm leads an exploration of bold and creative solutions to the most important issues facing the United States, including health care, education, crime, welfare, immigration, environmental protection, and national security, among others.
Each morning begins bright and early (coffee will be provided!) with an overview of the various dimensions of an issue and the solutions proposed by Republicans and Democrats to solve it. Gov. Lamm then opens the floor to class participants, who debate the issue among themselves. Class discussion is energetic, creative, insightful, and always entertaining. Whether you are a political enthusiast, political professional, or an interested citizen, this is a rare opportunity to explore and discuss America’s most pressing issues under the guidance of one of America’s most admired leaders.
Revenues from this course go to the Gov. Richard D. Lamm Scholarship Fund and the Enrichment Program Scholarship Fund.
Gov. Lamm (Colorado Governor 1975-1987) is a University Professor and co-director of the University of Denver’s Institute for Public Policy Studies (click here for a complete bio). The Institute’s Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Public Policy are committed to the development of tomorrow’s policy leaders through an innovative, analytical core curricula that emphasizes cost-effective, market-based alternatives to contemporary issues.
Hard Choices in Public Policy
Gov. Richard D. Lamm
10 Wednesday Sessions
Sept. 14 - Nov. 16
7-9 a.m.
$750/person
Space is limited. For more information, contact Jonathan John at 303-871-2468 or jjohn@du.edu.
Full-time economics instructor selected
Posted 2005-06-30
In May Devon P. Lynch accepted a full-time faculty position in the Graduate and Undergraduate Programs in Public Policy for the 2005-2006 academic year.
Dr. Lynch will formally join the Institute in September. He is scheduled to teach a number of courses involving quantitative analysis and economic policy, including three core quantitative courses for the MPP program ("Microeconomics for Public Policy," "Quantitative Analysis" and "Cost-Benefit Analysis"), as well as undergraduate and graduate electives.
Dr. Lynch earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he has been a teaching assistant and instructor since 1998. His doctoral dissertation was on Colorado enterprise zones. In 1996 he earned an MSc. in economics form the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Lynch served as a research assistant for the Ministry of Finance and Planning and as an economist for the Planning Institute of Jamaica before moving to Colorado.
The selection of Dr. Lynch was the culmination of a nationwide process begun the previous summer.
This summer the Institute will commence another nationwide search for an additional full-time, Ph.D.-level instructor to teach and develop courses for the Institute's Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Public Policy.
Guest speakers bring real-life experience to the classroom
Posted 2005-06-30
This year IPPS had the pleasure of welcoming many distinguished guest speakers and lecturers to the classroom.
This spring IPPS graduate students were provided with an in-depth look at the state government through the course "Public Management and Budgeting," taught by Karen Reinertson (executive director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing), and the Great Issues Forum "The Initiative Process," taught by Alexis Senger (chief legislative analyst, Joint Budget Committee, Colorado General Assembly).
Other guests included Katy Atkinson (Atkinson & Associates), Andrew Busch (associate professor, Department of Government, Claremont McKenna College), Gary Hart (U.S. Senator, '75-'87), Mike Feeley (Colorado State Senator, '93-'01), Raymond Friedlob (McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP), Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher, Joan Johnson (director of capital assents, Colorado Commission on Higher Education), Cary Kennedy (director of policy, Office of Colorado Speaker Andrew Romanoff), Edward Knight (ValueOptions), Lori Kalani (EchoStar Communications), Sarah Kuehl (senior committee staffer, U.S. Senate Budget Committee), Mike McKenna (MRW Strategies), Joe Morales (executive director, Colorado Department of Public Safety), Kristi Pollard (director of public policy, Southeast Business Partnership), and immigration lawyer David Simmons.
Lamm forum a success
Posted 2005-03-17
“The Law of Unintended Consequences,” a two-part forum open to the community, was a tremendous success.
Taught by IPPS co-director and former three-term Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm, the forum attracted
over 60 Denver community members and a long wait list.
The forum, offered through DU’s University College Enrichment Program, explored the complicated,
unpredictable and sometimes counterproductive consequences of public policy, with an emphasis on
immigration, affirmative action, drug policy, welfare reform, campaign finance reform, and
de-institutionalization of people with mental health issues.
In addition to his position as IPPS co-director, Gov. Lamm is the executive director of the Center
for Public Policy and Contemporary Issues and an instructor in the Graduate and Undergraduate
Programs in Public Policy. In April he will teach a graduate-level forum on U.S. immigration policy.
Owens’ cabinet member to teach course
Posted 2005-03-17
Owens administration member Karen Reinertson has been selected to teach “Public Management
& Budgeting” for the Graduate Program this spring.
Since 2001 Ms. Reinertson has been executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care
Policy and Financing and a member of the governor’s cabinet.
Ms. Reinertson will be a tremendous asset in the classroom, bringing years of real life experience
as a lobbyist, consultant and senior government official. She has previously served as director
of the Colorado Office of State Planning and Budgeting under Gov. Roy Romer (1990-94), director
of the Office of Energy Conservation (1990-93), and deputy director of Colorado Counties, Inc.
(1987-90). Ms. Reinertson earned a Master’s in Sociology from the University of Wyoming.
“Public Management & Budgeting” is part of the core curriculum for the Master of Public Policy
(MPP) program and is usually taken by graduate students in their second and final year.
This year the course will be oriented toward state government and the roles states play in the
delivery of governmental services, including those they share with federal and local government.
Using Colorado as an example, the overall theme will be the capacity of states to manage into the
future with limited resources and increasing demands.
Since the course begins as the state legislature starts it 69th day (of 120), the course will
use the activities of the last of the session as a real time case study on the passing of the
budget, the progress of a TABOR override referendum to be presented to the voters in November
of 2005, and the implementation of the programs mandated in the tobacco tax increase passed
by the voters in November of 2004.
Groff elected Senate President Pro-Tem
Posted 2005-03-17
IPPS instructor Sen. Peter C. Groff was elected president pro-tem of the Colorado State Senate in January.
Sen. Groff’s elevation to the second highest position in the senate came with the Democratic takeover
of both houses of the state legislature.
Sen. Groff was elected to represent Senate District 33 in 2004, a seat to which he had been appointed
in 2002 to serve the remaining term of Sen. Penfield Tate. He was previously elected to two terms in
the Colorado House of Representatives.
In addition to teaching in the Graduate and Undergraduate Programs in Public Policy, Sen. Groff serves
as executive director of DU’s Center for African American Policy. This winter he taught the
graduate-level course “Presidential Policy.”
