State & Hill spring 2020

Before COVID-19 began to consume our daily news coverage, we asked nine Ford School faculty what policy topics 2020 political candidates should be talking about. Javed Ali, Towsley Foundation Policymaker in Residence: There is a lot more we can...

In this edition of State & Hill, you’ll read stories of our growing strength in teaching diplomacy, international development, and international politics, and stories of how we’re tackling inequalities in the financial system, access to voting,...

By Rebecca Cohen (MPP ‘09) In 20 years of global experiences, roughly 600 Ford School students have traveled to 18 countries, not including internships or study abroad. The lessons they bring back with them have helped shape careers of...

How the Weiser Diplomacy Center is preparing the next generation of foreign affairs leaders. By Rebecca Cohen (MPP ‘09) When the Weiser Diplomacy Center (WDC) launched in fall 2019, it made a big splash with incredible speakers that included...

The Ford School’s Weiser Diplomacy Center officially launched last fall with visits from an all-star lineup of leaders in foreign affairs. Each visitor also met with students, faculty, and alumni in a variety of settings while in Ann Arbor. How...

By Molly Spencer, writing instructor at the Ford School In the west, etched and bony light of moonset. East, warm breath of sun              fleshing the sky. Nothing will ever be as legible as these hills, still black with their faith...

The Ford School will welcome delegates from countries around the world as we host the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Symposium virtually or in-person October 12-16, 2020. NDI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that works...

Professor Robert Hampshire brings his transportation expertise to the Ford School By David Pratt State & Hill: How did you come to be interested in transportation systems and policy? Robert Hampshire: Well, it starts with me sitting in a...

New FinTech collaborations boost Ford School’s financial policy offerings The Ford School is expanding its offerings of financial policy courses with FinTech (financial technology) Policy and FinTech Entrepreneurship classes. Taught by professor...

As you know, during this special reunion year, we are participating in an Alumni Giving Challenge! With matching funds from the Ford School Committee, our individual efforts combine to make a tremendous difference for Ford School students.* Now,...

By Daniel Rivkin This year marks 100 years since the 19th Amendment officially granted women the right to vote. Some women, that is.  The milestone was significant, but the ballot box remained closed for many: Native Americans only gained...

New gift from Joan and Sanford Weill supports education and employment initiatives By David Pratt Longtime friends of the Ford School Joan and Sanford Weill have made a generous new investment in the school's work with a gift of $5...

Robin Jacob on closing early childhood achievement gaps The first five years of a child’s life are considered the most critical for development. But for too many children from low-income households, learning opportunities...

“The government needs to make sure the hardest-hit families have enough income to keep food on their tables...in a rapidly unfolding crisis, the type of aid that’s offered may matter at least as much as the quantity.” Betsey Stevenson and Justin...

Javed Ali wrote or co-authored multiple op-eds published by The Hill. He also appeared as a frequent commentator on MSNBC. Topics ranged from U.S. national security to crises in the Middle East. John Ayanian, inaugural Director of U-M’s Institute...

Bob Brown (MPA ’71) sold The Scottish Salmon Company and fully retired from active business life at age 73. John Reinemann (MPP ’90) will begin teaching in the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in fall...

All hands on deck Ford School faculty and research centers have been actively involved with the policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Luke Shaefer is advising the state on how to reduce the impact on low-income families. Michael Barr, Betsey...

Goldenberg's “Turn Up Turnout” efforts have spread from the Ann Arbor campus to Dearborn and Flint, to all Big 10 schools through the Big Ten Voting Challenge, and to 25 other institutions in the state through the annual Michigan Student Voting...