News and events
Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony Celebrates Excellence in Public Service with Keynote Speaker RaJade Berry-James
The 2024 Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony, held at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, celebrated the achievements of 13 new inductees in public administration, public policy, and public affairs. The event featured a keynote address from NASPAA President RaJade Berry-James, emphasizing the commitment to equity, ethics, and professionalism in public service. Berry-James is also a Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs at the Wilder School.
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Class of 2024: Deja Cooke returned to college to pursue a dream of a career in criminal justice
The Wilder School student has balanced VCU Health roles, a busy course load and community engagement.
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Wilder School Achieves Historic Rankings in 2024 USNWR
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University is proud to announce its historic achievements in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings. For the first time in its history, the school has been recognized as the nation's sixth-leading institution for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to academic excellence and innovation in public affairs.
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Election year: exploring Virginians’ key perspectives through Commonwealth Poll insights
What are key issues for Virginians as we head into a strongly contested election year? This question and many others were addressed by the Wilder School’s own, Robyn McDougle, Ph.D. (M.S.’00, Ph.D.’03), associate dean of research and outreach, associate professor of criminal justice and dual VCU alumna.
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Beyond Penalties: Unpacking the Largest Clery Act Fine and the Path Forward for Campus Safety
In the wake of a landmark $14 million penalty against Liberty University for mishandling sexual assault reports, Christina Mancini, an authority on campus safety and sexual crime policy at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, discusses the essential elements of transparency, accountability, and a supportive community in fostering campus safety.
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At VCU session, Virginia emergency management leader stresses resiliency and responsibility
Shawn Talmadge, who earned his master’s at VCU, and is current the state coordinator of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and deputy homeland security adviser. cites the value of state agency’s ties to the Wilder School and other partners.
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Alumni Changemaker: Yolanda Macklin Crewe’s Journey in Workforce Development
In Virginia's dynamic interplay of education and workforce development, Yolanda Macklin Crewe, Ph.D., emerges not just as a participant but as a transformative force. With roots that trace back to the vibrant rural community of Emporia, her journey to leading workforce initiatives at the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service and innovative career development.
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Lunch and Learn "Building Resilience Across the Commonwealth of Virginia: It's More Than Just Responding"
Join us for an insightful Wilder School Lunch and Learn session with Shawn Talmadge (M.A.’09), Virginia's state coordinator of emergency management and deputy homeland security adviser, as we delve into strategies for building resilience in the face of increasing disasters. From extreme weather to cyberattacks, learn about the comprehensive approach Virginia employs to prepare and respond effectively.
Read more.jpg "From left to right: David Webber, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness; RaJade Berry-James, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs; Susan Gooden, Ph.D., Dean of the Wilder School; and Michael Rao, Ph.D., President of Virginia Commonwealth University, gather to celebrate the inaugural National/International Recognition Awards (NIRA).")
Wilder School faculty honored with Inaugural NIRA for distinguished contributions
Two Wilder School luminaries, Drs. RaJade Berry-James and David Webber, were celebrated as the first recipients of VCU's National/International Recognition Awards (NIRA) on February 8. Discover how their groundbreaking work in public administration and homeland security is setting national and international benchmarks, and what this prestigious recognition means for the future of public service and security research.
Read more.jpg "Wilder School undergraduates Magdalena Ray, Sarah Jones, Ava Wilde, alongside VCU Health's Carol Olson, graduate student Caroline Wagner, alumni Grace Berigan, and Lindsay Cassada of Chesterfield County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center, unite at the Virginia General Assembly for the Put Victims First Day of Action")
Wilder School students advocate for change at Virginia's Capitol
In an exemplary blend of academic study and real-world application, students from the Wilder School's CRJS316 Victimology and Victimization course recently made their mark at the Virginia General Assembly. Their participation in the Put Victim's First Day of Action was a significant step from theoretical learning into the realm of legislative lobbying for victim rights.
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