Greetings fellow Fordies,
The Ford School Alumni Board convened in person and virtually on Friday, October 3, 2025 for our fall meeting during Homecoming weekend. Go Blue!
We had a full and energizing day focused on alumni engagement, student support, career services, the new Online MPA program, board recruitment, and opportunities to strengthen our connection to the broader Ford School community.
Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes joined us to share updates on the state of the Ford School and the school's priorities for the year ahead. We also congratulated Dean Watkins-Hayes on being elected a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a well-deserved recognition of her leadership, scholarship, and public service. Read more about Dean Watkins-Hayes recognition. Dean Watkins-Hayes shared about the University of Michigan's Presidential Search Committee, of which she is a member. Alumni are encouraged to participate in the process by completing the feedback form or submitting nominations.
The board o received an update on the Ford School's Online MPA program, which will welcome its first cohort in January 2026. Alumni Board members discussed the important role alumni can play in helping the program grow and succeed. There are several ways to support this effort, including sharing program materials, helping recruit prospective students, connecting with MPA alumni, participating in guest speaking opportunities and panels, and facilitating career connections. If you are interested in supporting the Online MPA program, please reach out to Marissa McGee at [email protected] or Kaitlin Taylor at [email protected].
We spoke with members of the Career Services team about the current landscape facing students and alumni. The discussion highlighted opportunities for alumni to support students through career connections, testimonials, advising, and engagement with Ford School programming.
As part of this year's Community Read initiative, the Ford School will launch an essay contest around several themes related to the Community Read book, Abundance. The contest will invite students to reflect on themes related to abundance, governance, public policy, lived experience, and creativity. The top essay in each of the three prompt areas will receive a $1,000 prize. The review panel will include Alumni Board members, faculty, and staff. I will be one of the Alumni Board members serving on the review committee.
The Marketing and Communications team also shared about the State & Hill magazine refresh. The school is updating its print and digital approach to better serve the Ford School community in meaningful and sustainable ways. Beginning this academic year, the magazine will include a concise, visually rich fall mini print edition, an expanded spring print issue, and a stronger digital presence across email, web, and social media.
Thank you for your continued support of the Ford School community. Please reach out if you would like to discuss anything related to the Alumni Board, our fall meeting, or ideas for our April meeting agenda on April 10, 2026.
A few final reminders:
- Attend the Ford School Town Hall with Dean Watkins-Hayes on Monday, November 17, 4-5 pm. More details coming soon!
- Don't forget to update your contact information in the Ford School if you have moved and/or changed jobs.
- If you are a Fordie and are looking for resources to explore employment opportunities, see more information provided by Career Services.
Best,
Cortney Sanders, MPP '17
Chair, Ford School Alumni Board