Dear friends,
This fall at the Ford School has reminded us that change is a constant in public policy—a challenge, but also an opportunity. Whether responding to shifts in federal programs, national debates, or developments closer to home, our community continues to bring empathy, expertise, and resolve to each new moment.
Over the past two months, we've welcomed a remarkable range of speakers whose experiences and insights illuminate the many dimensions of today's policy landscape. Nearly 900 members of our university community gathered at Rackham Auditorium for a live taping of On with Kara Swisher, featuring former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for a candid discussion on democracy, technology, and political polarization. Our annual Vandenberg Lecture brought former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, whose reflections on global conflicts and the evolving role of the United States prompted critical dialogue among students and faculty. Most recently, we had the honor of hosting Malala Yousafzai for an inspiring conversation centered on education, equity, and courageous leadership.
Our research centers have continued to convene timely events that offer our community opportunities to engage with complex issues from multiple angles. These events, along with robust classroom experiences and collaborative projects, help ensure that Ford School students and scholars are prepared to wrestle with the difficult questions that define our times.
We continue to foster meaningful and constructive conversations, such as my recent fireside chat with Robert Doar, president of the American Enterprise Institute, examining the place of the center-right in American politics. Our ongoing Abundance initiative has brought together policy experts and thought leaders—including Ted Gayer and Ezra Klein—for deep discussion with our community on pressing public questions. These programs exemplify our dedication to encouraging open inquiry and strengthening democracy through civil dialogue.
We are exceptionally proud of our faculty, including Luke Shaefer and Pamela Herd, who have shared their expertise on national public benefits and contributed critical perspectives during times of federal uncertainty. Their scholarship, along with that of many others, ensures that our work remains relevant and impactful.
We also celebrate several remarkable faculty achievements this semester. Kathryn Dominguez and Christian Davenport have been named Distinguished University Professors, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to scholarship and the academic community. John Leahy will soon serve as executive vice president and director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
As we head into the final stretch of the semester, I am deeply grateful for your engagement and support. Together, our community advances the values of service, dialogue, and evidence-based leadership, no matter how the landscape shifts.
Warmly,
Celeste Watkins-Hayes
Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Jean E. Fairfax Collegiate Professor of Public Policy
University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor
Professor of Sociology
