Welcome to the Baker School’s Blog!
Follow us as we cover all things Baker School, from what is happening in public policy, to first hand experiences from students in our programs, and resources for academics and career development.
Examining Food Waste and Recovery at Neyland Stadium: Julia Swart’s Capstone Project
January 6, 2026 Julia Swart, a recent Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduate of the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, was drawn to the program by her passion for food policy and her desire to make a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger. It was only natural, then,…
A Look at the Civic Engagement Roundtable
December 8, 2025 At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students are finding their voice in public policy through the Civic Engagement Roundtable (CER), a dynamic, student-led organization housed within the Baker School that’s redefining what it means to get involved in civic life. Turning Ideas Into Action CER aims to give students a platform to…
The Baker Living & Learning Community: Where Leadership Meets Service
December 3, 2025 The Baker Living & Learning Community (BLLC) is more than a place to live. It’s a community where curiosity and purpose thrive. Located in Clement Hall, the BLLC brings together students who are eager to explore public affairs, build connections, and make an impact. Designed for first-year students interested in leadership, government,…
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Baker Dozen Study Tips
December 2, 2025 Finals week is here. Before the exams begin, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are some simple, helpful study tips to keep you organized, focused, and ready to finish strong. Start with a plan. Map out what you need to study each day so you’re not cramming the night…
Inspiring Civic Engagement: Baker Ambassador Alexis Barton
As a public affairs student at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, Alexis Barton is passionate about making meaningful change through government and policy. Her experience in government has grown beyond the four walls of the Baker School and has shaped her understanding of how civic engagement impacts real…
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Dante Grayson Driving Change and Empowering Communities
November 13, 2025 Dante Grayson, a native of McMinnville, Tennessee, views public service as a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others with forward-thinking ideas, thoughtful leadership, and a deep belief in the power of community. As a master of public administration (MPA) student at the Baker School, Grayson is concentrating in economic and…
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Celebrating Howard H. Baker Jr.’s 100th Birthday
November 5, 2025 This November, the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs will host a series of commemorative events honoring the centennial of Senator Howard H. Baker Jr.’s birth. The celebrations will pay tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of the Tennessee statesman, renowned for his bipartisanship, diplomacy, and…
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Howard H. Baker Jr.: A Legacy of Civility, Leadership, and Lasting Impact
November 3, 2025 As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Senator Howard H. Baker Jr., we are reminded of the extraordinary legacy he left behind. Known as “The Great Conciliator,” Baker built his career and reputation on the belief that progress comes not through division, but through understanding, respect and cooperation. One…
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Inside the Baker School Student Association
October 29, 2025 At the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, student leadership takes form in many ways. One of which is through the Baker School Student Association (BSSA). By organizing civic engagement events and building connections across programs, BSSA gives students a platform to shape their Baker experience and…
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Shaping Tennessee’s Future: Julia Briggs’ Journey in Public Service
October 27, 2025 Mount Juliet native Julia Briggs is building her future around serving the people of Tennessee. As a Baker School MPA student concentrating in economic and community development, she is already making an impact through her work as a graduate research assistant with the Institute for Public Service, where she supports workforce development…
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Learning to Lead with Civility: Inside Claudia and Izzy’s First Semester as Tocqueville Scholars
October 17, 2025 The Tocqueville Scholars program was founded in fall 2024 by the Institute of American Civics (IAC). It is grounded in the ideas of Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th-century French philosopher best known for Democracy in America, his influential examination of U.S. democracy and civic life. The program educates students in America’s constitutional,…
Five Fast Facts: Baker Ambassador Alex Durkee
October 1, 2025 Meet Alex Durkee! A sophomore Public Affairs major at the Baker School, Alex has already made his mark through research, leadership, and his role as a Baker Ambassador. He brings a unique perspective and a wide range of interests to our Baker School community. Five Facts with Alex Durkee Year & MajorAlex…
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Building Stronger Communities: MPA Online Student Kory Robinson
September 30, 2025 Meet Kory Robinson, an MPA Online student at the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Kory currently serves as Manager of Electric Distribution System Engineering at Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division in Memphis, Tennessee, where he leads a team of more than 130 professionals across five engineering and support…
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Congressional Internship Program – Eli Hicks
Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of Members of Congress, federal agencies, or government-related organizations, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity,…
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Congressional Internship Program – Adarius Parrish
Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
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Congressional Internship Program – Katie Glagola
Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
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Congressional Internship Program – Cade Simmons
Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
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Congressional Internship Program – Heather Taylor
Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
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Maggie Howard Makes a Local Impact Through MTAS Summer Internship
Maggie Howard, a rising sophomore at the Baker School, is spending her summer learning firsthand how local government operates through an internship with the University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS). Assigned to the city of Goodlettsville, she has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, from attending city meetings to spending time with…
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A Closer Look at the Japan Ambassadors Experience with Hope Greene
Since starting at the Baker School last fall, Hope Greene prioritized seizing opportunities connected to her interest in national security. Japan’s history, political structure, and cultural influence stood out as areas she wanted to explore more. When Hope first learned about the Japan Ambassadors program, it perfectly combined her academic interests with real-world experience. The…
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Where Policy Meets Analytics: One Student’s Journey Through the Baker School and Haslam College of Business
From the moment Nolan Ragland (‘23) stepped onto the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus in August 2019, he had the drive to make meaningful impact. He quickly became involved with The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) through the Baker Ambassadors program. That initial connection grew into a…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Addie Davis
Addie Davis is graduating with a degree in early childhood education and will be continuing her academic journey at the University of Michigan, where she will pursue a master’s degree in elementary education. During her time at the University of Tennessee, Addie served as a UT Government Relations Intern and worked as a Literacy Research…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Tucker Mountain
Tucker Mountain is graduating with a degree in labor economics and a minor in political science. Following graduation, he will attend Officer Training School with the Air Force Reserves and then join Deloitte Government and Public Service consulting practice. Tucker attributes his success at the Baker School to the experiences and connections that shaped his…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Szaviea Wynn
Szaviea Wynn is graduating with a degree in sociology and English and preparing to enter the workforce full-time and study for the LSAT. Her time at the Baker School played a role in helping her develop the confidence and skills to engage in meaningful dialogue about politics at all levels. Through her academic work, particularly…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Savannah Morrison
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a minor in political science, Savannah Morrison will continue her academic journey at the University of Tennessee as a master’s candidate in the Clinical Social Work program. Savannah credits the Baker School for shaping her professional path, sharing that the opportunities and growth she’s experienced…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Sarah Harper
With a foundation in public policy and a passion for service and a Master of Public Administration, Sarah Harper is taking the next step in her academic journey by attending Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law on a merit scholarship. At the University of Tennessee, Sarah was involved with the Baker Scholars program, Baker…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Riley Speas
Riley Speas is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in honors geography, global studies, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She will step into a full-time role as a GIS Analyst. A member of the Baker Scholars and Baker Ambassadors, Riley earned numerous accolades, including the 2025 Undergraduate Researcher of the Year, Volunteer of Distinction,…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Payton Corlew
Payton Corlew is graduating with a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) with a concentration in National Security. She is excited to continue her professional journey this summer as an intern at the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in Nashville. Payton’s time at the University of Tennessee has been marked by numerous accomplishments, including receiving…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Makaela Jo Webb
Makaela Webb is graduating with a degree in legal and political philosophy and a minor in religious studies. After graduation, she intends to stay in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, and pursue a Master of Public Policy degree at the Baker School. Through the Washington Fellows Program, she deepened her passion for civic engagement and…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Lucas Garrett Johnson
Lucas Garrett Johnson is preparing to step into a new role as a Budget Analyst for the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration’s Budget Division after graduating from the University of Tennessee with his Master of Public Administration with a concentration in economic and community development. Lucas served as a student voting member on the…
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2025 Graduate Student: Lilly Riddley
Lilly Riddley is heading to Washington and Lee School of Law on a scholarship after earning her Master of Public Policy degree from the Baker School . She also holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from UT with a minor in philosophy. Lilly’s time at UT has been a balance of academic achievement, leadership…
2025 Student Spotlight: Jenna Hudgins
Jenna Hudgins will graduate with a Master of Public Policy with a concentration in economic and community development. Her next chapter as a Grant Specialist at the East Tennessee Development District will begin after graduation. Jenna has honed her skills and is now ready to take on new professional challenges. Her experiences at the Baker…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Jaycee Culbertson
Graduating with a Master of Public Policy and Administration, Jaycee Culbertson plans to enter the workforce and take a gap year before further pursuing her education. Her time at the Baker School broadened her understanding of policy. A standout experience for Jaycee was Dr. Michael Jones’ class on ethics, where she explored controversial topics and…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Jackson Scott
Jackson Scott’s journey at the Baker School has been marked by significant achievements. Graduating with a Master of Public Policy and a graduate certificate in national security, he deepened his expertise in national security through his coursework and his involvement in the Washington Fellows Program. He also participated in the Indo-Pacific Security Studies Working Group…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Grace Hardin
Grace Hardin, a proud Baker Scholar, will graduate from the University of Tennessee in May. After graduation, she plans to return to her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, where she will continue working at a science-themed summer camp and explore local job opportunities as she prepares to apply to graduate school abroad. Throughout her time at…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Faith Barrett
Faith Barrett is graduating with a Master of Public Administration and is moving back to her hometown of San Diego, California, to work for the Parks and Recreation Department. Shas excelled during her time at the Baker School, serving as a graduate research assistant and working with the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Elaina Della Rossa
Elaina Della Rossa is graduating with her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Economic and Community Development. After graduation, she will attend Belmont University College of Law. Her involvement in the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Leadership Institute and her work on a project to strengthen tourism and sustainability in Tellico Plains gave her real-world…
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2025 Graduate Spotlight: Cameron Fox
Cameron Fox is graduating with a Master of Public Policy and Administration. She will be moving back to middle Tennessee to work as a research associate for the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. During her time at the Baker School, Cameron was involved in the Congressional Internship Program and served as a Baker Ambassador.…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Brian Sekita
Graduating with a Master of Public Policy and Administration, Brian Sekita is preparing to take the next step in his career as a U.S. Army Officer. His time at the Baker School sharpened his leadership skills and provided opportunities for growth. Brian shares that faculty members like Dr. Jon Ring, Dr. Su, and Dr. Jack…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Aom Boonphatthanasoonthorn
Aom Boonphatthanasoonthorn earned her Master of Public Policy with a minor in national security. Throughout her time at the Baker School, she gained valuable knowledge in policy analysis and built a foundation in professional networking. Her involvement extended across several Baker School programs, including the Baker Ambassadors, the Institute Fellows Program and Local Government Interns,…
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2025 Graduate Spotlight: Ethan Curl
Ethan Curl is on track to earn his Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from the Baker School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Originally from Franklin, Tennessee, Ethan has his sights set on Washington, D.C., where he plans to launch his career on Capitol Hill or at a nonpartisan think tank. Reflecting on…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Caroline Grossman
Caroline Grossman is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences and a minor in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. While her post-graduation plans are still taking shape, Caroline hopes to join Teach for America and eventually pursue a master’s degree in educational policy. Throughout her time at the University of Tennessee, Caroline built an…
2025 Graduate Spotlight: Skye Gerhart
Skye Gerhart, a Dayton, Ohio native and Master of Public Administration degree candidate, is gearing up for her next chapter. After commencement, she’s headed to Franklin, Tennessee, where she will serve as a Management Fellow for the City of Franklin. This role kicks off her career in city management. Reflecting on her time at the…
Decent Respect for Another Point of View
Special Contributor Tom Griscom Partisanship tests ideas, but it should not be so rigid that it prevents us from considering other perspectives. A relationship between two political figures, Democratic President Jimmy Carter and Republican Senate Leader Howard Baker, exemplifies this principle. Despite their party differences, both men demonstrated a commitment to the nation over political…
Baker Students Reflect on the Big Orange Impact of Philanthropy
Philanthropy has a profound impact on the lives of students at the University of Tennessee, empowering them to excel academically, making education accessible, expanding horizons, encouraging excellence, and ensuring program strength. Every year, for one day in November, the University encourages its supporters to mobilize for the Big Orange Give. The annual day of giving…
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In the legacy of Senator Howard H. Baker Jr.
Senator Howard H. Baker Jr.’s career modeled a vision of leadership and democracy based on being an eloquent listener, thoughtful learner, and committed public servant. These elements build the foundation of the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Next week will mark what would have been Baker’s 99th birthday, and…
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How the 2024 Election Stacks Up Against the Past
In his first year at the University of Tennessee, Andy Busch, professor, and associate director of the Institute of American Civics at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School), has seen how important the 2024 election is for University of Tennessee, Knoxville students. Through debate watch parties, presentations,…
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Baker School’s Curriculum Prepares the Next Generation of Public Leaders
The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) grew out of a vision to establish a public policy school at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with national reputation for graduating skilled public problem solvers who are prepared to take leadership roles as public administrators, public servants, policy analysts, or…
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Research Enhances Student Experience for Harper
As an undergraduate, Sarah Harper’s connections with the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) allowed her to explore interdisciplinary research projects across campus. “One of the strengths of the Baker School is its faculty and their connections; they are wide-reaching,” says Harper, a Baker Scholar whose research spanned…
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Key Components to a Successful Career from a Longtime Wall Street Journal Senior Writer
Longtime Wall Street Journal senior special writer and former senior executive at Salesforce Monica Langley sat down with students for a personal, in-depth conversation on the components that lead to a successful career. She spoke with students from the Baker School, Haslam College of Business, and College of Communication and Information. Langley was a first-generation…
Shuler and Wojciechowski Talk Careers and Life at UT
Vols for Life Heath Shuler and Gene Wojciechowski are no strangers to drawing crowds and Friday, September 13, was no different. Baker School and College of Communication and Information (CCI) students and their families, as well as the UT Alumni Board filled the Baker School’s Toyota Auditorium for a special Fall Family Weekend event. Wojciechowski,…
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The Baker School’s mission goes hand in hand with Tennessee’s Youth in Government Programs
Baker School freshman Rami Ammar discovered his passion for politics and policy through Youth in Government (YIG), starting in 7th grade and participating in the program through high school. “I initially got involved to better grasp policy’s impact on our lives,” Ammar said. Which is exactly what YIG aims to do, giving middle and high…
Baker alum finds his way in local government
Following the legacy of one of Tennessee’s most outstanding public servants, Howard H. Baker Jr., our students have opportunities to develop problem-solving skills inside and outside the classroom as they prepare to pursue meaningful careers in public service. Recent graduate John Turner is putting the skills he developed at UT to work and enjoying…
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Master of Public Policy versus Master of Public Administration
Since 1969 the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has had a graduate degree in public administration, that is a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Public servants throughout the state claim the program as their alma mater. In 2012, that degree was modified into a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) to more closely align it…
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Are you Smarter than a Baker School Student?
On Saturday, August 17, the Baker School’s inaugural class of incoming freshman came together for the first time to meet each other and get to know faculty and staff. Starting with an ice breaker, going around the room saying their name and where they are from, as well as trying to remember the name of…
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The puzzle that is public policy and public affairs
The Baker School is a school of public policy and public affairs, but our undergraduate curriculum leads to a degree in public affairs. Some might ask what the difference is between the two, or how they are related to one another. The answer – they are the pieces of the puzzle that bring the big…
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Baker School Launches Blog
The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the first and only school of its kind in Tennessee. We’ve built a unique setting designed to prepare our students to serve as leaders of character and champions for the public good. We are…
From being a student in the graduate program to staff
At the end of her undergraduate studies, majoring in history and philosophy, Zoe Crihfield wanted to stay in the Knoxville area and pursue an advanced degree. Interested in nonprofit work and the economic development of the Appalachian region, she was looking for something more than a traditional master’s in public administration. That’s when she saw…
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Fifteen High School Students Intern with UT’s Institute of American Civics
The Institute of American Civics (IAC) housed at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) hosted 15 students from area high schools for a Student Internship Program in the weeks leading up to the Tennessee Civics Academy (the Academy) June 24-26. Under the direction of Educational Outreach Program…
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Baker Students Get Insiders View of Washington, D.C.
Stepping onto the Senate floor, looking out from the Speaker’s Balcony and looking at the teleprompter from behind the PBS NewsHour anchor desk were just a few of the exclusive experiences 12 University of Tennessee students encountered over two weeks in May as participants in the Washington Fellows program with the Howard H. Baker Jr.…
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