O’Neill School – Page 16

O’Neill School announces new master’s degree partnership for Hudson and Holland Scholars Program graduates

Posted on January 10, 2022 by JHayes

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is proud to announce a new partnership, joining two programs within Indiana University. Through the partnership, graduates from the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program (HHSP) have a unique opportunity to pursue a graduate education with one of the nation’s premier schools of public affairs, the O’Neill School.

Through the newly formed O’Neill School – Hudson and Holland Scholars Partnership Program, qualified HHSP graduates will receive an application fee waiver. Admitted students will also receive the HHSP/O’Neill Fellowship Award, equal to a 25 percent reduction in the cost of tuition in their program of choice.

This partnership continues the O’Neill School’s dedication to, and support of, HHSP students. Currently HHSP undergraduates are eligible to apply for financial aid through the O’Neill School’s Equity Scholars Program. Now, the O’Neill School – Hudson and Holland Scholars Partnership Program creates additional opportunities for HHSP students who wish to pursue a graduate degree.

“We are so pleased to offer our highly-ranked graduate programming to HHSP’s already high achieving students,” said O’Neill School Dean Siân Mooney. “HHSP’s focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion run parallel with our mission at the O’Neill School. These initiatives are at the heart of everything we do, so we are thrilled to not only support but also partner with HHSP’s amazing students.”

The O’Neill School (Bloomington) offers top-ranked curriculum areas and the #2 MPA Program in the nation with graduate programs that include:

• Master of Public Affairs (residential or online)
• Master of Arts in Arts Administration
• Master of Science in Environmental Science
• Master of Environmental Sustainability
• Master of Science in Healthcare Management (hybrid or online only program)
• Master of International Affairs
• Master of Public Affairs-Master of Science in Environmental Science Dual Degree
• Master of Public Affairs-Master of Arts in Arts Administration Dual Degree

In addition, the O’Neill School IUPUI (Indianapolis) offers graduate programs that include:

• Master of Public Affairs
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety

“The Hudson and Holland Scholars Program staff is excited about the expanded opportunities for our students,” said Carl Darnell, director of the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program and assistant dean at Indiana University’s School of Education. “Our scholars have records of high academic achievement and engagement in academically purposeful activities. We believe this collaboration with the O’Neill School will expand opportunities for Hudson and Holland Scholars to advance for the betterment of our community.”

O’Neill School – Hudson and Holland Scholars Partnership Program recipients must have completed an undergraduate degree from IU through the HHSP and meet O’Neill School admissions requirements, including strong academic performance, a demonstrated commitment to service, and a record of involvement and leadership both on campus and in the community.

About the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
The O’Neill School is a world leader in public and environmental affairs and is the largest school of public administration and public policy in the United States. In the 2021 “Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs” by U.S. News & World Report, the O’Neill School ranks first in the country. Four of its specialty programs are ranked in the top-five listings, including nonprofit management, ranked first.

About the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program
The Hudson and Holland Scholars Program (HHSP), established in 1987 and named in honor of its founders Herman C. Hudson and James P. Holland, is the largest merit-based scholarship program at Indiana University. As a prestigious scholarship and support program for high-achieving, underrepresented students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, HHSP provides funding as well as a variety of opportunities to enrich and support the holistic needs of student scholars. This community of more than 2,000 talented scholars is among the best and brightest students at Indiana University. The Hudson and Holland Scholars Program is administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs.

Indiana Leadership Program offers O’Neill student Anna Dubois lessons on leadership through listening

Posted on January 5, 2022 by ebatman

O’Neill student Anna Dubois is interning with the Bloomington mayor’s office through the Indiana Leadership Program.

Stories are important to O’Neill student Anna Dubois.

First, there are the stories she tells others –

Childhood stories about backpacking with her family through the Hoosier National Forest and how her love of nature drew her to study environmental management. Stories about learning to garden and spin alpaca wool while interning on a sustainable farm.

Then, there are the stories that others tell her.

Through her work with both the Indiana Leadership Program and IU Student Government, Dubois has learned about the importance of listening to her peers. “That’s what representative government is all about!” she said.

Dubois has been active in student government since her freshman year and currently serves as the IU liaison to the Association of Big 10 Students, a collection of student government representatives from universities across the conference. Her most meaningful accomplishment, though, has been launching the Green Bandana Project – an initiative that encouraged students to tie green bandanas on their backpacks to signify allyship with peers facing mental health challenges.

“Everyone has their own life, their own stories. An effective leader will get to know the stories of the people they’re leading and figure out how people want to be led,” said Dubois.

Through O’Neill’s Indiana Leadership Program, which helps students develop professional skills through partnerships with local public or nonprofit organizations, Dubois is getting additional leadership experience as an intern in the Mayor’s Office of the City of Bloomington.

“The Indiana Leadership Program stood out to me because they’re so invested in giving back,” said Dubois. “I’ve gotten so much out of the Bloomington community. I wanted to return the favor.”

Dubois has been impressed by the egalitarian culture of the mayor’s office. “I was really taken aback by how supportive everyone is. I feel like my voice is heard.”

Although she feels professionally empowered in her role, she’s constantly reminded that the nature of the work of municipal government is to listen to stories from members of the community they serve. “I’ve had to learn how to stay totally focused on the constituents,” she said.

Finally, there are the stories she hopes to tell in the future.

Dubois is not yet sure where her future career will lead, but she wants to use the leadership skills she’s developed at O’Neill to inspire positive change.

As a research assistant in Prof. Shahzeen Attari’s laboratory, Dubois has been researching the way we tell stories about climate change. “A lot of environmental management focuses on doom and gloom. So, we’ve been examining climate storytelling and asking how we can inspire a more utopian, rather than dystopian, vision of the planet’s future to positively influence people’s behavior. It’s a game changer.”

Dubois hopes her work will make a difference on a large scale – but she also knows that change often happens at the individual level, one story at a time.

In her own words, “Leadership is most effective when it empowers others.”

Summer Abroad: Barbados

Posted on January 4, 2022 by ebatman

Make the most of summer 2022 by studying abroad. We have programs – and scholarships – for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Here, Prof. Daniel Grundmann shares the benefits of studying abroad with a spotlight on Barbados. Interested? Apply by January 21st!

What makes the Barbados program special?

GRUNDMANN: The Barbados program takes place on the University of West Indies campus in class together with students from Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. It provides an opportunity for students to experience a culture significantly different from our own, yet in an English-speaking country. While Barbados is a small island developing nation, it has a relatively high Human Development Index (0.8) as defined by the United Nations. Barbadians have a rich cultural history that borrows largely from both its English colonial past and from the Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage that represents approximately ninety-six percent of the population.

Students will learn, through a comparative approach, about global human resource management (GHRM) from numerous GHRM practitioners. In addition to classroom time, we make workplace site visits on the island speaking with GHRM practitioners in organizations operating in many countries throughout the world. We also videoconference directly with GHRM practitioners working on several continents. Past participants have included the top HR executive from the world’s largest law firm speaking with the class from Warsaw, Poland; the former US State Department HR leader and current Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean states; a Barbadian Senator and the president of the Barbados Workers Union; the HR Director of Mount Gay Rum; and the marketing director for the Japan HR Society, among many others.

Additionally, we go on various cultural excursions and visit beautiful island locations. In sum, the Barbados program gives students a chance to see and experience life lived somewhat differently, have a fantastic time, learn a bit about themselves, and learn a great deal about global HRM from a variety of impressive experts in Barbados and throughout the world. Oh … and the beaches are pretty nice, as well.

Why should students study abroad?

GRUNDMANN: When I have asked friends, colleagues, or casual acquaintances, be they in their thirties or in their fifties, what some of the most memorable and impactful events of their lives have been, studying overseas always makes the list for those who have participated. In fact, I have yet to meet someone who regretted the experience. We have many opportunities competing for our resources including internships, on-campus classes, and various other life events, but there are few times in one’s life when they can spend an extended amount of time immersed in a culture foreign to their own.

Overseas study provides academic and personal growth that is unique and profoundly valuable. It is an opportunity to experience cultural immersion that, for most of us, will never come again. While some might be apprehensive of such an adventure, I encourage all students to take a chance on themselves and make it happen. As someone far wiser than me once said, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re probably taking up too much space.” Study overseas! You will not regret it.

What is one fun fact about you?

GRUNDMANN: For about 10 years my voice was on the official headset audio tour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery.

What type of students should apply to study abroad in Barbados?

GRUNDMANN: The program is best suited for students who are curious and open to combining new adventures, valuable educational content, and a bit of fun for a memorable growth experience—both intellectually and personally. No prior knowledge of human resource management course content is required.

What is your favorite part of running international programs?

GRUNDMANN: My favorite part of running this international program is observing the IU and UWI students from start to finish – watching their growth and learning from their perspectives.

O’Neill MPA student raises $85,000 for a child care expansion

Posted on December 14, 2021 by JHayes

Students don’t have to wait until after graduation to live up to the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs’ motto of “leading for the greater good.” Experiential classroom activities let them make an immediate impact.

As a first-year Master of Public Affairs student, Kelly Echard took a Proposal Development and Grant Administration course. Since Echard had a passion for helping those facing homelessness, associate professor Jill Nicholson-Crotty matched her with New Hope for Families for her experiential project.

New Hope, an agency serving families impacted by homelessness in Bloomington, broke ground in April for a $5.75 million expansion. The new facility will include an early education center that will serve 48 young students, instead of the current 16, when it is expected to open in February.

“O’Neill is unique in that we focus not just on the in-class learning, but also on reaching out into the community to give our students experience working in the field with public and nonprofit organizations,” Nicholson-Crotty said.

When Echard started searching for ways to help fund the expansion, she discovered Early Learning Indiana’s Come Back Stronger Fund, which was helping child care programs recover in the wake of the pandemic. She completed and submitted the needed grant application, then met with Early Learning Indiana officials hoping to secure $21,000 in funding. When all was said and done, Early Learning Indiana awarded New Hope $85,000 for equipment and furnishings for the early education center.

“I was overjoyed that I was able to impact my community in such a positive way,” said Echard, a first-generation college student who is now in her second and final year of grad school. “I went into grad school, and undergrad for that matter, with a passion for the underdog. I have always wanted to make a difference. So, to get four times (the funding asked for) really just shows me to shoot even further into the stars next time.”

She’s not the only one who is happy.

“We loved working with Kelly,” said Emily Pike, New Hope’s executive director. “This was our first formal pairing with O’Neill grad students. O’Neill is a top-notch program, so students come into the partnership with great skills and motivation.”

Nicholson-Crotty, while thrilled with Echard’s outcome, said it is not unusual.

“We typically secure three to five grants for our partner organizations each semester,” she said. “We give our students the tools to be successful and then provide them with the opportunities to practice using them in an environment where they are supported by faculty. Kelly brought together all of her training and skills from O’Neill at just the right time to really make a difference in her community.”

Article by Jana Nordeen, IU Studios, and reproduced with permission.

Summer Abroad: Portugal

Posted on December 8, 2021 by ebatman

Make the most of summer 2022 by studying abroad. We have programs – and scholarships– for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Here, Prof. Daniel Preston, shares the benefits of studying abroad with a spotlight on Portugal. Interested? Apply by January 21st!

Yellow vintage tram on the street in Lisbon, Portugal.

What makes the Portugal program special?

PRESTON: Sustainable development is the centerpiece to how the world addresses its most pressing problems, and there is no better place to study the topic than Lisbon, Portugal. Theory and practice come together where students can learn from leading experts and practitioners in the classroom and engage with sustainable development tangibly through site visits and excursions.

Why should students study abroad?

PRESTON: Study abroad rounds out your university education to prepare you to be successful in an interconnected world and better understand the world as a global citizen.

What is one fun fact about you?

PRESTON: I used to be able to kick a 55-yard field goal; I’m still happy to challenge anyone to a punt, pass and kick competition.

What type of students should apply to study abroad in Portugal?

PRESTON: I am looking for students who have a strong academic commitment and care about the future of our planet.

What is your favorite part of running international programs?

PRESTON: I especially enjoy hearing from former students who were transformed for the better by their experience abroad.

O’Neill School announces new master’s degree partnership for DePauw University graduates

Posted on December 7, 2021 by JHayes

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and DePauw University are proud to announce a new partnership that will give DePauw graduates a unique opportunity to pursue a graduate education with one of the nation’s premier schools of public affairs.

Through the newly formed DePauw + O’Neill Fellowship, qualified DePauw graduates will receive an application fee waiver, with admitted students awarded a 25 percent tuition reduction toward their program of choice.

“The O’Neill School offers one of the leading master’s degree programs in the nation, and we’re thrilled to open this opportunity to more students who started their higher education journey here in Indiana,” said O’Neill School Dean Siân Mooney. “With a wealth of experience behind them, our faculty can best prepare the next generation of change makers. To partner with such a highly regarded institution as DePauw creates a tremendous opportunity for O’Neill’s future students.”

The O’Neill School offers top-ranked curriculum areas and the #2 MPA Program in the nation with graduate programs that include:

Master of Public Affairs (residential or online)
Master of Arts in Arts Administration
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Master of Environmental Sustainability
Master of Science in Healthcare Management (hybrid or online only program)
Master of International Affairs
Master of Public Affairs-Master of Science in Environmental Science Dual Degree
Master of Public Affairs-Master of Arts in Arts Administration Dual Degree

“With this new, expanded relationship with IUB O’Neill, now any DePauw graduate is eligible to apply for a master’s degree at O’Neill and enjoy the benefits of our partnership, where formerly it was available only for those in the Environmental Fellows Program,” said Steven Fouty, executive director of the Hubbard Center for Student Engagement.

DePauw + O’Neill Fellowship recipients must have completed an undergraduate degree from DePauw University and meet O’Neill School admissions requirements, including strong academic performance, a demonstrated commitment to service, and a record of involvement and leadership both on campus and in the community.

About the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

The O’Neill School is a world leader in public and environmental affairs and is the largest school of public administration and public policy in the United States. In the 2021 “Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs” by U.S. News & World Report, the O’Neill School ranks first in the country. Four of its specialty programs are ranked in the top-five listings, including nonprofit management, ranked first.

About DePauw University

DePauw University is a top-tier, private liberal arts institution with exemplary students who come from across the country and around the world. Through the fusion of academic excellence and vast experiential opportunities, DePauw prepares leaders for personal and professional success. U.S. News & World Report ranks DePauw as the best national liberal arts college in Indiana, and No. 46 in the nation. DePauw also is ranked among best colleges for creating futures, best value national liberal arts schools and the top producers of Fulbright scholars.

Washington Leadership Program made public policy personal for O’Neill student Evan Carnes

Posted on December 3, 2021 by ebatman

O’Neill MPA student Evan Carnes, BSPA’21, did the Washington Leadership Program as an undergraduate studying Law and Public Policy.

“I care about law and public policy. I care about representative government and about how governments allocate funds to meet the needs of their constituents. But the thing I care about most? Helping people figure out what they like to do and how they should go about achieving it.”

For Evan Carnes, BSPA’21, the path to achieving his own professional goals has not always been clear. As a first-generation college student, he arrived on campus unsure of what to expect from his college experience – or from himself. To explore, he poured himself into extra-curriculars: editing with the student newspaper, hosting a radio show, and even appearing in some short films. He learned about O’Neill’s Washington Leadership Program (WLP) as a freshman in the Civic Leaders Center, but he wasn’t sure he would be able to fit an entire semester interning and taking classes in Washington, DC, into his academic plan.

After working it out with his advisors, Carnes realized that WLP was not just possible, but important. “To be exposed at that level on the ground, while still in undergrad—I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to networking and working in or near the government.”

Carnes landed an internship on Capitol Hill with Rep. Ami Bera (CA-7). He spent his days researching current legislation and foreign affairs issues and observing representative government in action.

His WLP classroom experience turned out to be just as important as his internship. With other students in his cohort, Carnes got to have intimate conversations with senior level officials from places like the Department of Energy and the Government Accountability Office.

“Most people think of government as this big, foreboding figure. But really, it’s just composed of other Americans – a representative body carrying out the wishes of many, many people.”

Carnes leaned into the networking aspect of his Washington experience and set up informational interviews with as many people as possible. “Many people can thank the mentors in their lives for helping them achieve the position they’ve reached. So, they’ll pay it forward if you’re interested and working toward the same things.”

By the end of the program, Carnes had already lined up his next internship. He left WLP with a better understanding of how the U.S. government operates and fresh inspiration for his future career, as well as a new sense of self.

“I can point to the program as a specific time where I gained confidence speaking in professional circles. I gained experience that made me feel competent. I learned that if you work really hard and try your best in your related coursework, it will be ok for you. I did not have a lot of mentors in my life to tell me that. This was really the first time that I felt capable.”

For now, Carnes is back in Bloomington, pursuing the O’Neill School’s #1 ranked MPA concentration in public financial administration. He credits WLP with hands-on experience doing what he likes to do – and a path forward to achieving it.

Summer Abroad: Bavaria, Lombardia, & Berlin

Posted on December 1, 2021 by ebatman

Make the most of summer 2022 by studying abroad. We have programs – and scholarships – for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Here, Jonah Otto, faculty from the University of Augsburg, shares the benefits of studying abroad with a spotlight on Bavaria & Lombardia as well as Bavaria & Berlin — two separate programs that can be paired together. Interested? Applications open December 1.

image of Regensburg Cathedral in Germany, cityscape with bridge

What makes the Bavaria+ program so special?

OTTO: The Bavaria+ program is truly unique in that students get to take in so many different cultures and experiences in a single program. Not only do students get to engage with the culture of the host sites (Bavaria/Germany, Lombardia/Italy, Berlin/Germany), but they also get the opportunity to build relationships with university students from German and Italian institutions through the intercultural team format of the program’s group projects.

Why should students study abroad?

OTTO: It is nearly impossible to fully understand and appreciate yourself, where you come from, what you study, and other aspects of who you are and who you want to be, unless you can take a step outside of yourself and your narrative to fully embrace another perspective. Studying abroad is one of the best ways to do just that.

What is your favorite part of running international programs?

OTTO: When I was a student, international programs and studying abroad completely changed my point of view and my understanding of my place in the world and what I wanted for my personal, professional and academic growth. Working to provide students with that same opportunity for exploration and growth is easily my favorite part of running international programs.

What is something surprising students may encounter on this program?

OTTO: One thing that catches some people by surprise is that studying abroad can be hard! Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and embracing the stress of new and uncertain situations that come with working across cultures in international settings is not easy. But the development that you gain throughout the process is more than worth it and gives you an experience that can be transformational; one that you will never forget.

What is one fun fact about you?

OTTO: I played more soccer in the US than I play in Europe, and I play more basketball in Europe than I played in the US. Go figure.

O’Neill School Dean Siân Mooney attends opening of Bloomington’s new 7-Line – on bicycle!

Posted on November 17, 2021 by JHayes

O’Neill School Dean Siân Mooney helped the City of Bloomington officially open the new 7-Line, a protected east-west bicycle lane and improved bus corridor along parts of 7^th Street. The line expands the conventional bike lane and now includes a separation between bicyclists and auto traffic.

Mooney, an avid bicyclist, took part in today’s (Nov. 17) 7-Line ribbon cutting ceremony, marking a formal connection of the B-Line, downtown Bloomington, Indiana University campus, and eastside neighborhoods.

“I ride my bike as often as the weather permits, to and from work or exploring the city,” said Mooney. “For the city to spearhead this project and encourage people to use their cars less is inspiring to better both our personal and environmental health.”

Data from the EPA shows transportation accounts for almost a third of greenhouse gas emissions across the United States, and well over half of that is from personal vehicle use. The opening of the 7-Line to encourage alternatives to personal vehicle use coincides with the O’Neill School’s programs that focus on the environment, sustainability, and climate change.

“At the O’Neill School we encourage our students to ‘lead for the greater good,’” said Mooney. “Anything we can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will make a difference now and for future generations. When we walk, bike, or use public transportation, that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Summer Abroad: Senegal and The Gambia

Posted on November 11, 2021 by ebatman

Prof. Jon Eldon shares the benefits of studying abroad with a spotlight on Senegal and The Gambia.

Students accepted into this program will receive an automatic $1,000 from by the Tobias Center for Innovation in International Development. Interested? Applications open December 1.

What makes this program so special?

ELDON: It’s easy to study big theoretical problems from a classroom in the US, but it’s very hard to see how they look from a personal level on the other side of the world. This class builds on my decade-old relationships in West Africa to place you inside rural villages to work alongside local farmers, traders, NGOs, and others as they seek to balance things like food security with soil degradation, economic development with biodiversity conservation, and poverty alleviation with climate change. This sort of immersive experience typically requires years of investment, such as through Peace Corps or, in my case, a PhD, but it is available here as just another 3-credit course.

Why should students study abroad?

ELDON: Most students have the experience that I had—you study a topic or problem for years as part of a college degree, then you go out into the world and wonder why it looks so different. It is not easy to reconcile the two and a lot of people don’t even try, but a study abroad experience during college can serve as a critical bridge and can help you find direction that you would otherwise have to find on your own. Think of it as a shortcut to wherever you personally are trying to go. More immediately, you’ll get stories, experiences, and friendships that you’ll likely carry for the rest of your life.

What skills do students gain from studying abroad?

ELDON: I hope that students will gain from this 3 week course what it took me 3 years in this region to appreciate, which is that problems related to sustainability, rural livelihoods, development, etc., are vastly more complex than the theories we form and discuss from our academic perches, but also that the answers are sometimes far more simple, straightforward, and effective than we can possibly imagine. This class will teach you to appreciate the complexity while looking for the pragmatic possibility. You might also learn to drive a donkey cart and plant some millet and maize.

What is one fun fact about you?

ELDON: I poured concrete on a military base in Alaska after finishing my Master’s degree in evolutionary biology in order to fund a winter of bumming around the South Pacific and talking to farmers in preparation for my PhD. Turns out that wasn’t the normal way of doing things, but no one told me that at the time.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

ELDON: Curiosity and flexibility. If you bring those, I’ll handle the rest.