Dear friends,
When so much feels unsettled, close to home and around the world, it prompts us to consider what it means to serve the public good. At the Ford School, this reflection strengthens our commitment to thoughtful dialogue, rigorous learning, and a shared purpose, even as the challenges before us continue to evolve.
In this spirit, our community remains informed and engaged. We kicked off the semester with a timely conversation featuring the Atlantic's Caitlin Dickerson, who, in partnership with the Wallace House Center for Journalists and our Center for Racial Justice, reflected on U.S. immigration enforcement and its impacts on institutions, communities, and civil rights. If you missed it, you can watch the talk here. I invite you to explore other upcoming events scheduled this semester.
I'm also pleased to announce that Luke Shaefer, the Ford School's Herman and Amalie Kohn Professor of Social Justice and Social Policy, has been appointed to Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield's cabinet, serving as Chief Executive of Health, Human Services & Homelessness Prevention. Luke will take a two-year leave from the university to provide strategic leadership for the City of Detroit.
This semester also marks the arrival of our inaugural cohort of 22 Online MPA students, mid-career professionals from government, higher education, health care, law enforcement, the military, and the private sector, joining us from Michigan, Arizona, Ohio, Wyoming, Colorado, New Jersey, Missouri, and South Carolina.
Looking ahead, we invite alumni and friends to join us in Washington, DC, on February 5 for a special student and alumni networking event, featuring a policy talk with Professor Samuel Bagenstos. The event will offer opportunities to reconnect with fellow Fordies and meet current students visiting DC as part of Career Exploration Days organized by our Career Services team. We hope to see many members of our community there!
Sadly, we mourn a profound loss in our community. Our colleague John Leahy passed away suddenly in December. John was a valued member of the Ford School who will be remembered for his intellect, his wit, his kindness, and his energy. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
In closing, I remain deeply appreciative of the strength and solidarity of our Ford School community. I look forward to connecting with you in the months ahead.
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
