Feb 4, 2026 by Laura McHugh

Allegra H. Fullerton, a senior researcher at the Center for Policy and Democracy in the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs, is making a notable impact on the study of policy processes, emotions, and collective action as she nears completion of her PhD in Public Affairs.

Feb 5, 2026 by Laura McHugh

The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) is once again being recognized as a national leader in online graduate education. In the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, CU Denver’s online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ), housed within the School of Public Affairs, earned the No. 21 spot out of 99 programs nationwide.

Feb 2, 2026 by Laura McHugh

SPA proudly joined civic, business, and community leaders on January 22 to honor the recipients of the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals, the state’s highest recognition for civic leadership and service.

Jan 29, 2026 by Laura McHugh

On December 5, the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs hosted a timely First Friday event examining how Colorado is addressing the growing challenges of climate‑driven disasters and the complex road to housing recovery.

Jan 15, 2026 by Laura McHugh

Julia Cummings, a PhD graduate and lecturer at the School of Public Affairs, was celebrated for her research on how policy narratives and imagery influence public opinion and civic engagement, alongside her impactful contributions to strategic communication and public leadership education.

Jan 13, 2026 by Laura McHugh

The School of Public Affairs (SPA) will actively participate in the 2026 Conference on Policy Process Research (COPPR), held January 21–23, 2026, at the University of Bern, Switzerland, with a pre-conference workshop on January 20 co-led by SPA.

Jan 8, 2026

Jaylyn Sherrod, a former CU basketball star and current WNBA player, earned her master’s degree in criminal justice at CU Denver while completing a capstone project on artificial intelligence in the justice system, offering recommendations to better prepare future professionals.

Dec 29, 2025

While graduations are marked by traditions—there’s no denying that every graduate comes to that moment with their own story. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, CU Denver celebrated all of those journeys at fall commencement.

Dec 22, 2025 by Laura McHugh

Tierney Bamrick, a PhD candidate in the School of Public Affairs, has published a single-authored article in The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society.

Dec 19, 2025 by Laura McHugh

SPA bids farewell to Dawn Savage as she retires in January 2026 after 30+ years at CU Denver, nearly three decades at SPA. A cornerstone of student advising, Dawn shaped academic services, mentored colleagues, and supported thousands of students with compassion and expertise. In lieu of gifts, she requests donations to SPA scholarships to continue her legacy of student success.

Dec 17, 2025 by Laura McHugh

The School of Public Affairs is proud to celebrate Gabriella Ruyle, a first-year Criminal Justice major, for earning the Most Involved First-Year Student of the Semester award for fall 2025. CU Denver’s First-Year Experiences (FYE) program honors students for their outstanding engagement and leadership during their first semester on campus.

Dec 15, 2025 by Laura McHugh

CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs hosted its second annual Dr. Mary E. Guy Distinguished Lecture, featuring Rutgers scholar Norma Riccucci on public management.

Dec 12, 2025 by Laura McHugh

The University of Colorado Denver has been ranked among the world’s top programs in Public Administration by the 2025 Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Dec 8, 2025 by Laura McHugh

MPA student collaborates with Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Energy Democracy Project to create a practical guide for communities pursuing public power and local energy control.

Dec 4, 2025

Jaylyn Sherrod has two major priorities in life: learning and basketball. And she puts the work in to excel at both. They 24-year-old is graduating from CU Denver with her second master’s degree this December, while also playing for the Minnesota Lynx in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Nov 25, 2025

Juan Salinas survived a collapsed lung as a toddler thanks to a Flight for Life pilot’s quick action, an experience that inspired his passion for emergency preparedness. Today, as Safe Schools program manager for Katy ISD, he credits his CU Denver master’s degree for equipping him to lead crisis response with confidence.

Nov 20, 2025

Tanya Heikkila, PhD, longtime public policy leader and SPA professor, has been named a 2025 National Academy of Public Administration fellow.”

Nov 13, 2025

CU Denver’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration (BAPA) program empowers students to create meaningful change in their communities. Whether advocating for social justice, managing nonprofit organizations, or working in government, graduates are equipped to lead with purpose.

Nov 3, 2025

Luke Gorka, a student pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration at CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs, is proving that flexibility and connection can go hand-in-hand. Balancing a full-time nonprofit job and an active lifestyle, Gorka credits SPA’s hybrid learning model—offering both online and in-person options—for helping him stay on track academically while remaining engaged with faculty and classmates.

Oct 24, 2025 by Laura McHugh

PhD candidate Hope Yohn’s short film Bright Future, which explores the ripple effects of sexual assault trauma, has been selected for the Austin Film Festival, showcasing her creative and academic contributions to the School of Public Affairs.