Incoming Students
UConn’s Department of Public Policy (DPP) is happy to welcome 80 students to graduate study with the department this fall. Over 35 undergraduate institutions are represented among our three masters degrees. Students sought undergraduate degrees in social science, humanities, business and STEM fields. Both online and in Hartford, we have students attending class from more than 10 states. This incoming cohort holds 10 advanced degrees and is 55% female.
Our newest cohort of MPA Fellows consists of 22 professionals from across sectors. Many of the incoming Public Administration (MPA) and Public Policy (MPP) students are receiving financial assistance through graduate assistantships, internships, or student employment.
Survey Research has recently begun a collaboration with UConn’s Communication Department, and introduced a “Media and Communication Campaigns Track” this fall. Further tracks are in development, which will allow students to tailor their degrees.
We are excited to welcome our newest members to the UConn DPP network!
Assistant Professor – Yusun Kim
Assistant Professor Yusun Kim is joining our faculty from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Her teaching and research interests include public financial management, state and local finance, tax property, health policy, public health insurance, and Medicaid. Dr. Kim says she is “..very honored and excited to join the wonderful community at UConn DPP.”
This fall, she will be teaching “Economic Analysis for Public Policy and Management” for our MPA and MPP students. To learn more about Yusun, please visit her bio.
Operations Coordinator – Maura Maloney
Maura Maloney is joining the DPP staff as a former graduate of the department’s Encore!Connecticut. Prior to joining the DPP, Maura worked in various capacities at ESPN. In her role she will oversee the departmental calendar and events, and assist with the coordination of Encore!Connecticut. She is “excited to be a part of the UConn family and [is] looking forward to working with the DPP faculty, staff and students!” To learn more about our Maura, please visit her bio.
Adjunct Faculty – Penny Davis
Penny Davis is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the CT Department of Social Services (DSS). She directs Talent Management, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Payroll and Benefits, and Staff Development functions. This fall, she will be teaching “Human Resource Management”. To learn more about Penny, please visit her bio.
Adjunct Faculty – Matthew Hart
Matt Hart is the Town Manager of West Hartford, Connecticut and a DPP alum. He has focused on building partnerships with the community, hiring talented professionals to lead the town’s public safety departments, creating a fresh brand for West Hartford. This fall, he will be teaching “Administrative Functions for Local Government”. To learn more about Matt, please visit his bio.
Adjunct Faculty – Paul Sullivan
Paul Sullivan is the Senior Vice President of Donor Services for the American Red Cross. He is responsible for over 7,500 professionals and many more volunteers who collect millions of blood donations a year. This fall, he will be teaching “Theory and Management for Public Organizations”. To learn more about Paul, please visit his bio.