Baker Blog

Gabriel Karatantcheva: Building Systems That Respond in Crisis

Originally from Bulgaria, graduate student Gabriel Karatantcheva has long been aware of how systems shape people’s lives. But it was through moments of crisis that she saw just how much they matter. At Francis Marion University, Karatantcheva demonstrated remarkable discipline and drive, triple majoring in economics, management, and political science and government while competing as…
Louie Perry: Bridging Policy and Global Dialogue

Well before Illinois native Louie Perry set foot in the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, he had already stepped into the world of politics. From attending the 2017 presidential inauguration in Washington D.C., to working on the 2022 Illinois gubernatorial primary, he gained an early, firsthand look at public…
Listening First: Madison Lackey’s Journey From Community Conversations to Policy Research

March 11, 2026 In her first semester as a graduate student at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, Madison Lackey found herself sitting across from community leaders in the Cumberland Gap region, listening to conversations about economic transition, tourism strategy, and the lingering effects of industrial decline. The discussion…
Half a World Away, Familiar Challenges

February 24, 2026 February 24, 2026 In December, Director of the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs Wiegand spent three weeks at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in La Union, Philippines, as a Fulbright Specialist. Drawing on her expertise in public policy, governance, and Indo-Pacific security, she delivered lectures and keynote addresses…
How Voting Rights Have Evolved in the United States

February 9, 2026 As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, understanding the history of voting rights helps illuminate how American democracy has taken shape across generations. Against that backdrop, first-year public affairs majors at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs stepped beyond the classroom, traveling from Knoxville to…
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,…
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. As you wrap up your study sessions and head into finals, remember that consistent effort and steady focus are…
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…