Training PSO Leaders

Margaret Blanchard

Doctoral programs within the Institute of Higher Education serve as an incubator of sorts for individuals who end up leading public service and outreach. IHE graduates who enter public service understand higher education beyond administration or management, envisioning ways to bring together research, expertise and practice to current issues. That comprehensive approach to graduate education is a key aspect of the program, according to IHE Director Libby Morris.

“We attempt to engage students with the research-base in the field of higher education and the problem-base that exists around important higher education questions within institutions, agencies, and for individuals. This approach is a nice melding of the application of expertise and research to real-life problems,” she said.

The program’s focus on the impact of higher education beyond the academy was a big draw for Jennifer Frum, vice president of public service and outreach at UGA. “From higher education policy to the broad impact of basic research on critical issues, IHE helped me appreciate that higher education’s benefits aren’t just long-term and fuzzy, but rather multiply quickly in tangible ways that improve people’s lives.”

Students in the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management can speak to the real-life problems that arise in their positions within higher education—especially since most students also work full-time. Laura Meadows assumed the role as director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government just as she started the EdD program in 2012. A veteran of working in and around state government, she said the program opened her eyes to all aspects of higher education.

“The EdD program exposed me to the broad spectrum of issues and, therefore, I think I have become a better administrator and leader as a result. Additionally, the policy aspects of the program truly helped add depth for me in issues I deal with every day in my work at the Vinson Institute. An extra benefit is the great relationships we’ve established and the partnerships we’ve built for collaboration on a number of projects with IHE faculty and students,” Meadows explained.

For example, Meadows enlisted the help of Erik Ness, associate professor at IHE, on a project merging USG institutions to form the new Middle Georgia State College. With the assistance of IHE graduate students, they worked with businesses and other stakeholders in the region to help determine which graduate degrees should be initially offered.

“Our expertise in working with governments and in outreach and IHE’s subject matter expertise is a powerful combination,” Meadows said.

Institute Alumni with Leadership Positions within UGA’s Office of Public Service and Outreach

Paul Brooks, EdD 2010 Associate Vice President Public Service and Outreach

Jennifer Frum, PhD 2009 Vice President Public Service and Outreach

Laura Meadows, EdD 2013 Director, Carl Vinson Institute of Government

Maritza Soto Keen, PhD 2013 Senior Public Service Associate Fanning Institute of Leadership Development