Welcome to our third edition of #TeachingTuesday for the 2024-2025 academic year. This week we catch up with School of Public Policy (SPP) School Director Angela Eikenberry!
Question 1: Why did you decide to become a professor?
Before I got my PhD, I was doing fundraising with a variety of organizations. I was feeling frustrated that there was so much never-ending need for funds and wanted instead to be part of changing the system and be part of thinking about different/better futures. I started teaching and doing research and loved having the opportunity to impact broader conversations about the work we do in public service.
Question 2: What are your teaching interests?
My main areas of teaching have been related to nonprofit and public organizations and management, fundraising, organization theory and behavior, and qualitative research methods. I’m excited to teach Introduction to Public Policy this semester!
Question 3: Why did you decide to come to UConn?
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join such a well-regarded School and institution. I was especially impressed by the range and diversity of programs at the SPP; support it provides to students, faculty and staff; engagement it has in the community and with alumni; and opportunities for continued dynamic growth.
Question 4: If you weren’t a professor what would you be instead and why?
That is a difficult one to answer–it’s hard to imagine doing anything else! I almost pursued a Masters in Korean Studies instead of getting an MPA way back when—who knows what I would have ended up doing if I had gone that route. I’m also passionate about transportation equity –perhaps something in urban/transportation design and planning?
Question 5: What is your favorite thing about Hartford?
I love living and working in downtown Hartford! There’s such a wonderful diversity of people and activities going on, so many good restaurants and coffee shops, and of course, it’s really cool to be working in the Hartford Times Building next to City Hall and the Wadsworth, and down the street from the State Capitol and Bushnell Park (the oldest publicly funded park in the United States!).
Question 6: If you could travel to any location right now where would you like to go and why?
I’d like to go to more places in Connecticut and the New England Region. Coming from Nebraska, it boggles the mind that we can take the train or drive a couple of hours and be in so many amazing places!