The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs

09/02/2026

💼 Baker Interns in Action

This summer, sophomore Public Affairs major Alexa Trauernicht interned with the Denver Justice & Peace Committee, supporting the non-profit's advocacy and policy initiatives.

Alexa’s work included conducting policy research, developing policy briefs and advocacy materials, and supporting community outreach and public engagement.

"Through this experience, I have gained valuable insight into the research, collaboration, and strategic planning that drive effective advocacy and nonprofit policy work."

Through experiences like this, Baker students are consistently gaining new perspectives, building practical skills, and making an impact in communities across Tennessee and beyond.

08/31/2026

From the cockpit to the Briefing Room. ✈️

Join NSFA and Air Force ROTC Detachment 800 tomorrow for a conversation with Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, former commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Come for the conversation. Stay for the connections.

08/30/2026

Did you know the Baker School hosts a top-ranked podcast? 🎙️

On You Might Be Right Podcast, former Tennessee Governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam show that thoughtful conversations about tough issues are still possible.

You Might Be Right returns for Season 9 on September 3. Here's a first look at what's ahead.

08/29/2026

08/28/2026

Big ideas. Meaningful impact. A career in public service.

Take the next step with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the Baker School.

📅 Fall 2027 Application Deadlines
Jan. 15: Priority deadline for assistantship consideration (in-person only)
July 1: Final deadline for all programs

Applications are open. Start your application today.
➡️ https://bit.ly/4xYwttZ

08/27/2026

💼 Baker Interns in Action

This summer, Baker School student Patrick Busch interned with the Law Office of Van-Lear P. Eckert, P.C., gaining firsthand experience in criminal defense.

Patrick worked directly with clients and observed courtroom proceedings while supporting attorneys with legal research and case preparation. The experience gave him a closer look at how the constitutional principles he studies at the Baker School shape the legal system in practice.

08/26/2026

The Institute of American Civics is welcoming one of the nation’s leading voices on American institutions and constitutional government to its Board of Fellows.

American Enterprise Institute's Yuval Levin brings a career spanning scholarship, public service and public policy to the Institute, strengthening IAC’s work and the opportunities available to students across the Baker School.

Welcome to the Baker community, Yuval.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4zBgsf5

08/23/2026

The semester is officially underway, and plenty is happening this week at the Baker School.

08/22/2026

We join friends across the country in remembering former U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker, a trailblazing public servant and longtime friend of the Baker School.

Senator Kassebaum Baker represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate for 18 years, building a reputation for independence, civility and a willingness to work across differences. She later shared another chapter of public service with her husband, Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr., including his time as U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

We were fortunate that she remained a friend to the School that bears Senator Baker's name and followed its growth with interest.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family and all those who knew and loved her as we celebrate a remarkable life of public service.

08/22/2026

Food insecurity is a complex policy challenge, shaped by everything from household circumstances to the design of public benefits.

Our MPA and MPP students kicked off their capstone work with United Way of Greater Knoxville, examining the determinants of food insecurity and assessing SNAP benefit policy.

It's the kind of work that asks students to put their policy training to use on questions that matter to communities.