Maxwell School News and Commentary
Heflin Speaks to Reuters About Federal Pass-Through Grants
Today, pass-through funding allows federal agencies to tap into local expertise and knowledge as well as help the federal government keep its own staffing levels down, says Colleen Heflin, professor of public administration and international affairs.
See related: Agriculture, Federal, Food Security, Rural Issues, State & Local, United States
‘Empowered and Prepared to Contribute’: Awards of Excellence Honorees Reflect on Maxwell’s Impact
Held at Syracuse University’s new DC home, the annual event honored five exceptional alumni who embody the school’s commitment to engaged citizenship.
See related: Alumni Experience, Awards & Honors, Giving
Haowei Wang Named 2025-26 Fellow by Association of Population Centers
The fellowship will support her research investigating the social determinants of healthy aging from a global perspective.
See related: Longevity, Promotions & Appointments
Evidence-based practices & US state government civil servants: Current use, challenges, & pathways
This April 2025 Research to Practice Brief summarizes "Evidence-based practices and US state government civil servants: Current use, challenges, and pathways forward," co-authored by Yuan (Daniel) Cheng, Leslie Thompson, Shuping Wang, Jules Marzec, Chengxin Xu, Weston Merrick, and Patrick Carter in Public Administration Review.
See related: Government, Research Methods, State & Local, United States
Jok Discusses South Sudan’s Fragile Peace Agreement and Its President in Geeska, Reuters Articles
“Africa’s newest state has remained trapped in a cycle of civil unrest and perpetual peace agreements that have not translated into real peace for its citizens. As it stands, all indications are that the fragile peace is in danger, as President Salva Kiir has ordered the house arrest of his rival, Vice President Riek Machar,” says Jok Madut Jok, professor of anthropology.
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Conflict, Government, International Affairs
New Partnership With Gettysburg College Supports Public Service Careers
The Maxwell School is offering admission and scholarships to qualified students and alumni of the Pennsylvania college.
See related: School History, Student Experience
William Talks to AP, Military Times and USA Today About Secure Communications and ‘SignalGate’
“There are people whose lives are literally on the line, whether that's service personnel, whether that's intelligence personnel,” says Michael Williams, associate professor of public administration and international affairs. “These guys are supposed to be leaders of the free world, the responsible leaders of the military, the greatest country in the world, and they can't perform basic operational security.”
See related: Federal, International Affairs, U.S. National Security, United States
de Nevers Comments on Greenland-US Relations, Usha Vance’s Visit in Nexstar Article
“I think there are plenty of people in Greenland who would like to have good and close ties with the United States. But that doesn’t mean they want to be part of the United States. They want independence,” says Renée de Nevers, associate professor of public administration and international affairs.
See related: Europe, Federal, International Affairs
Reeher Speaks With WXXI News About Meeting Between President Trump and NY Gov. Hochul
“She's playing the game a little bit differently—the resistance game,” says Grant Reeher, professor of political science. “She doesn't want to be seen to be an ally of Donald Trump and his administration,” he says. “She also has to worry about her left flank and being seen as too liberal.”
See related: Energy, Federal, Infrastructure, New York State, State & Local, Tariffs, U.S. Immigration
2025 University Scholars Include Maxwell Seniors
Abigail Greenfield and Sierra Kaplan were selected for the honor based on their academic achievements, research, creative work and other criteria.
See related: Awards & Honors, Student Experience