American University's School of Public Affairs, ranked No. 12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and the highest-rated public affairs school in Washington, DC for six consecutive years, closed out fiscal year 2026 with new philanthropic strength. 

The year also marked a new chapter for the school as Alison Jacknowitz stepped into the role of permanent dean after nearly three years of leading SPA on an interim basis, capping 22 years at the school. Under her leadership, SPA has placed among the top 5 percent of public affairs schools nationally for seven consecutive years running. 

The generosity of the SPA community was evident as the school responded to a historic federal government shutdown, expanded its national research footprint, and invested in the next generation of public service leaders. 

Meeting the Moment: Classes Without Quizzes 
When the federal government shutdown furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers across the DC region, SPA returned to the mission it was founded on in 1934—training public servants to navigate troubled times. Last fall, the school hosted Classes Without Quizzes, a daylong event offering 22 free sessions to several hundred furloughed federal workers, contractors, and others affected by the shutdown, taught by faculty from across campus on everything from leading through crisis to mastering everyday AI. 

Faculty Research Making National Impact 
SPA faculty continued to secure significant external investment in their research this year. The Political Theory Institute, led by professors Alan Levine and Thomas Merrill, was awarded a three-year, $1.75 million grant from the Department of Education to expand its civics education work with high school teachers and students nationwide, building on five years of programming aimed at deepening young people's understanding of American democracy. 

SPA's Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL), founded by Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss, announced a new national partnership with Bedrock, a coalition of 67 organizations working to prevent hate-fueled and political violence, extending PERIL's evidence-based research to communities across the country. In additon, SPA's Postsecondary Education and Economics Research (PEER) Center, led by Professor Jordan Matsudaira, generates actionable research to drive policy improvements in postsecondary access, affordability, experience, and outcomes. 

Preparing the Next Generation of Public Leaders 
SPA also welcomed Quentin Fulks, SPA/MA '15, a veteran of the Biden/Harris and Harris/Walz 2024 campaigns and former deputy campaign manager for Senator Raphael Warnock (D), as the new director of the Campaign Management Institute. An SPA alum himself, Fulks returned to build on more than 30 years of hands-on campaign training for the next generation of political operatives.  

Additionally, SPA's Women & Politics Institute graduated its latest cohort of the WeLead Campaign Training Program, which aims to close the gender gap in political leadership by training participants to run for office or run a political campaign. 

Philanthropic Impact by the Numbers 
None of this happens without the support of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who continue to invest in SPA's mission. Their generosity in FY26 made a measurable impact. 

• Nearly $3 million raised in philanthropic support from more than 850 donors 

• More than $300,000 raised for the SPA Dean's Fund, a 128% increase over the previous year, for immediate support for scholarships, student-faculty research, and experiential learning opportunities. 

• 128 donors gave during AU’s historic Giving Day, unlocking a $31,000 challenge gift from the Board of Advisors. 

“Our alumni and donors are critical to SPA’s success,” said Dean Alison Jacknowitz. “Their involvement in our programming provides mentorship for our students, and their gifts are vital to enhancing the student experience, providing educational opportunities beyond the classroom, and supporting faculty research.” 

As SPA looks to the year ahead, the momentum behind its research, its people, and its mission continues to grow, fueled by a community of alumni and friends who believe in the power of public service.  

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