Public Administration and Urban Studies News

Faculty Member Gives Keynote Address

gkp4 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:41:25 +0000

Dr. RaJade M. Berry-James was the invited keynote speaker at The Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association of New Jersey, 38^th Annual Spring Conference, Commission on Higher Education Student Leadership Conference and Graduate Awardee Luncheon. This year’s event was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on March 17, 2008. Dr. Berry-James’ comments were centered around her professional mantra, “S/he Who Learns, Teaches“.

Faculty and Students Present at Conference

gkp4 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:37:18 +0000

Dr. Rajade M. Berry-James and Ph.D. students Nichole Bunner, Juanita Elton, and Rosa Githiora presented their paper titled “Our Journey Toward Cultural Competence — Color Blind vs. Color Conscience” at the Annual National Conference on Diversity, Race and Learning, held May 6, 2008 at Ohio State University.

Professor Retires

gkp4 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:20:57 +0000

Dr. Ralph P. Hummel bid faculty and students farewell in May as he embarked on the next chapter in his life. Author of three books and numerous book chapters and journal articles, Dr. Hummel retired after 10 years at The University of Akron in the Department of Public Administration and Urban Studies. Dr. Hummel’s storied career began in the newspaper business with stints at The Detroit Times, The Pontiac Press, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. His first academic job was as an assistant professor at Fordham University. He came to Akron from the University of Oklahoma, where he had been since 1986. Dr. Hummel’s will be missed around the department by faculty, staff, and students alike. Best wishes in retirement, Dr. Hummel.

Student Receives Fellowship

gkp4 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:04:33 +0000

Nichole Bunner, a Ph.D. student, was one of twenty Founders’ Forum Fellow recipients at this year’s American Society of Public Administration meeting in Dallas, Texas. With recognition came financial support to attend the conference, admittance to a 2-day “student summit,” invitations to luncheons and awards ceremonies, and a special reception. Congratulations Nichole!

Faculty Members Nets Prestigious National Award

gkp4 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:54:04 +0000

Dr. RaJade M. Berry-James is this year’s recipient of the Donald C. Stone Service Award from The American Society of Public Administration. Dr. Berry received the award in March at the organization’s national meeting in Dallas, Texas. Given annually, the Stone Award recognizes outstanding service to ASPA, the most prominent organization representing public administrators from all levels of government and from non-profit organizations. Congratulations Dr. Berry-James!

Faculty & Instructor March for Charity

gkp4 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:46:52 +0000

Nearly 200 people, mostly men, marched one mile around the Polsky Building on April while wearing high heeled shoes to raise awareness and money for the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit counties. Dr. Ramona Ortega joined other university faculty members and PAUS instructor David Merolla in marching. Dr. Ortega is an ongoing sponsor of the TKE fraternity. This year’s march raised nearly $10,000, about twice the amount of the previous year.

Student & Faculty Recognized

gkp4 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:40:48 +0000

Organizers of the 4th Annual Conference on Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research recognized Maria Veronica Elias, a Ph.D. student, and retiring faculty member Dr. Ralph Hummel. Ms. Elias received recognition for her nomination for the Outstanding Student Research Award, and Dr. Hummel received recognition for his nomination for the Faculty Mentor of the Year Award. Congratulations!

Graduate Student Government Colloquim

gkp4 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:38:10 +0000

UA graduate students should seriously consider attending the first GSG Colloquim from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 in the Student Union Ballroom. “Graduate Today, Leader Tomorrow: Preparing Our Graduate Students for What’s Next” is designed to prepare students for life after graduation. The full-day event is a mix of panel discussions, speakers, and workshops. A free luncheon is part of the day. Students can expect to learn resume-writing tips and interview techniques, as well as about important ways to work with others more productively in the workplace.

PAUS MPA graduate and current PAUS PhD student Nichole Bunner, who is also vice president of GSG, is playing a lead role in coordinating the event. Students are encouraged to come out for their own benefit and to support Ms. Bunner in the process. For information about registration contact Ms. Bunner at nmb1@uakron.edu.

Ohio City/County Management Association’s Winter Conference

gkp4 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:26:44 +0000

Students Tom Reynolds and Kimberly Beckett, as well as faculty member Dr. Raymond Cox, attended the 2008 winter conference of the Ohio City/County Management Association in February. The title of the conference was “Looking Ahead: The Economy and the Future of Ohio.”

According to Mr. Reynolds, some of the most interesting seminars were: Foreclosures: What’s a Community to Do?;
Regionalism: Initiatives that Work; Ohio’s Ethics Code; Appleseeds, Filaments & You: Lessons in Leadership from Ohio’s Great Change Agents; Connecting OCMA with Ohio’s MPA Programs (presented by Dr. Cox); and Bringing Retail to Underserved Markets and Plugging Retail Leaks.

PAUS to Host Treasurers

gkp4 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:26:20 +0000

Dr. Raymond Cox has reached an agreement with the Ohio Association of Public Treasurers for the department to host for three years the organization’s annual statewide training program. Treasurers from public organizations from across Ohio will spend five days on campus earning certification credit by attending sessions hosted by professors, bankers, and bond counselors. This summer’s program is being held June 16-20.