About Us | University of Illinois Springfield

Welcome to the Illinois capital city's School of Public Management and Policy

The School of Public Management and Policy (SPMP) is a unit within the College of Public Affairs and Education (CPAE) at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). The SPMP, established in the Fall of 2021, is home to a high-ranked Master of Public Administration Program.

The SPMP was born out of a vision to provide excellence in public service to Illinois and nationwide. We bring together management skills, policy analysis, and an interest in the well-being of all people. We focus on governing, managing, leading, and advocating for change.

We ground students in the values of efficiency, effectiveness, economy, and social equity. We prepare them to address complex issues and prioritize the following areas: 1) Public Finance and Procurement, 2) Human Resource Management and Labor Relations, 3) Social Equity and Impact, and 4) Data Analytics.

Our graduates are uniquely equipped for leadership roles in governmental agencies, private corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

Director's Welcome

Vision

To be the Illinois Capital City's epicenter for change in public policy, practice, and people's lives locally, state-wide, and internationally.

Mission

We, the School of Public Management and Policy, recognize the growth and complexity of public problems. We are committed to inspiring a new generation of public service professionals through cutting-edge scholarship and training. We equip them with the knowledge and skills to lead and advocate for change.

Values

Leadership – We evaluate problems in public governance and identify and analyze alternatives to solve these problems.

Engagement – We aim to bridge students, faculty, staff, and the community for active participation in the policy process.

Critical Thinking – We collect, analyze, and interpret data to make informed decisions on policy and practice.

Equity – We strive to create respectful work cultures, and environments that value and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Service – We operate in a manner facilitating democracy, transparency, efficiency, and ethics consistent with the public service.

Professional Associations

Benefit from the memberships the School of Public Management and Policy maintains with professional associations.

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration: NASPAA's twofold mission is to ensure excellence in education and training for public service and to promote the ideal of public service.

American Society for Public Administration: ASPA advances excellence in public service by serving as the critical bridge between public administration scholarship and practitioners in the field.

Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management: APPAM is dedicated to improving public policy and management by fostering research, analysis, and educational excellence.

Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action: ARNOVA is a diverse community of scholars, educators, and practice leaders that strengthens nonprofit and philanthropic research to improve civil society and human life.

School Accolades

2023 award for US News "Best Grad Schools-Public Affairs"

Best online masters — Best Master's in Human Services 2020