The School of Public Policy has officially launched a new institute committed to advancing the practice and study of public leadership on a local, national and global scale. The Institute for Public Leadership (IPL) will serve as a central hub for public leadership research and education, fostering collaboration among faculty and students, facilitating research endeavors and providing experiential learning opportunities.
“Launching the Institute for Public Leadership is a significant milestone for the School,” emphasized Dean Robert C. Orr. “It is an opportunity for us to create new pathways for careers in public leadership, and to make public leadership accessible to all. IPL will also allow us to enhance our support of public leaders from national to local, starting right here in Maryland.”
Headed by Director John Ronquillo and Research Director Cullen Merritt, IPL’s mission is to address multifaceted societal challenges by conducting rigorous research on public leadership issues and providing evidence-based solutions, empowering underrepresented voices and facilitating knowledge exchange and mentorship to nurture the next generation of leaders through diverse experiential learning opportunities and community building.
Leadership is always relevant; it’s always important. And we’re not here to dispute whether it’s necessarily a hard or soft skill, but that it can be both because it is truly dynamic and embedded in every facet of our socio-political life.John Ronquillo
Ronquillo highlighted its mission and commitment, stating, “Leadership is always relevant; it’s always important. And we’re not here to dispute whether it’s necessarily a hard or soft skill, but that it can be both because it is truly dynamic and embedded in every facet of our socio-political life. IPL intends to meet those dynamic needs by providing UMD students and others across the state with opportunities through research, internships, training and experiential learning to best help prepare them to confront the most serious challenges of our time.” He additionally noted that, “Thanks to an amazing team, we’ve come out of the gate running in year one and have a lot of meaningful and exciting things to come. We’re already gaining traction nationally, and have at least one international counterpart asking how we can work together. It’s great for Maryland and the university, but most importantly, it’ll be great for our students.”
In alignment with its commitment to advancing public leadership, IPL has established the Thurgood Marshall Research Fellows Program, which aims to commemorate the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall by supporting undergraduate and graduate students in conducting research on racial and social equity within public leadership.
“During a time in which DEI initiatives are under increased attack, I am honored to take part in a research fellowship that focuses on the importance of diversity in public leadership,” shared Marshall Fellow Emily Dodge. “I am grateful that the Institute for Public Leadership offers this opportunity for us to expand concepts of equity, especially through a policymaking lens.”
Dr. Angel Wright-Lanier, executive director of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) – the global accreditor of master’s degree programs in public policy and related fields – was a distinguished guest at the launch and reflected on IPL’s potential to effect meaningful change in public leadership practices.
"I'm especially excited to see the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance and the EXCEL program. These programs will provide public leaders with the skills necessary to lead the diverse communities of the 21st century,” shared Wright-Lanier. “We need officials trained to help solve the wicked problems we're facing now and into the future. ... Public service can be a vehicle for this generation to work within their value systems, but we must show them the possibilities. By implementing the Institute for Public leadership here at the University of Maryland, you're creating opportunities for people like me and others in the next generation."
The inaugural cohort of 16 Thurgood Marshall Fellows showcases a diverse group of students from various disciplines across campus. The Fellows include: Ebenezer Akansah, Denise Burroughs, Emily Dodge, Athena Garcia, Jastin Garcia-Mendoza, Piper Jackson, Jessica Nguyen, Ijeoma Okoro, Noory Okthariza, Caleb Parkins, Luis Perez, Prishasai Ramnath, Madiha Rehman, Sriya Sogal, Antoinette Waller and Matthew Zinno.
As IPL embarks on its journey to advance public leadership, it does so with a commitment to collaboration, mentorship, experiential learning and impactful research.