NASPAA Welcomes 2025 Annual Conference Co-Chairs
We are thrilled to announce and welcome Dr. Aaron C. Rollins Jr. from the University of Louisville and Dr. Laila El Baradei from the American University in Cairo as Co-Chairs for the NASPAA 2025 Annual Conference! Their extensive expertise and commitment to advancing public service education will help shape an engaging and impactful conference.
About Dr. Aaron C. Rollins Jr.
Dr. Rollins serves as Chair of the Department of Urban and Public Affairs and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program at the University of Louisville. Known for his leadership and dedication to students, Dr. Rollins has made significant contributions to NASPAA, including accreditation site visits and serving on the Diversity and Social Equity committee.
His research focuses on public policy, social equity, and urban affairs, with numerous publications and federal grants supporting his work. Dr. Rollins’s teaching includes key courses on public administration and social equity, fostering critical conversations on systemic issues. His accolades include the UofL Student Champion Award, Public Administration Quarterly’s Best Article Award, and the Minority Access Inc. National Faculty Role Model Award.
Biggest Challenge in Public Service Education: Dr. Rollins believes the greatest challenge is combating the relentless spread of disinformation, which threatens to divide global communities. He emphasizes the critical role of educators in promoting truth and fostering unity.
About Dr. Laila El Baradei
Dr. El Baradei is a Professor of Public Administration and Chair of the Public Policy and Administration Department at the American University in Cairo. A long-time NASPAA member, she has played a pivotal role in advancing public service education globally, serving on committees such as the NASPAA SDG Committee and PAA Global Steering Committee.
Her leadership at AUC includes directing initiatives like the Public Policy HUB and mentoring future public service leaders through the Youssef Jameel GAPP Public Leadership Fellowship program. Dr. El Baradei’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2024 International Public Administration Award.
Biggest Challenge in Public Service Education: Dr. El Baradei highlights the dual challenges of responsibly integrating AI into public service education and reaffirming public service values at a time when some governments undermine them. She calls for a renewed focus on ethics and innovation in public service.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to the leadership of Dr. Rollins and Dr. El Baradei as they guide NASPAA’s 2025 Annual Conference. Stay tuned for more details on what promises to be an inspiring event!
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