KU School of Public Affairs and Administration

07/28/2026

Congratulations to KU MPA alumnus David Limardi (1978) on being named a recipient of ICMA's Distinguished Service Award!

This is one of the highest honors ICMA bestows — awarded by the ICMA Executive Board to a retired local government manager whose career reflects sustained leadership, mentorship, and lasting contributions to the profession. Only a handful of managers nationwide receive it each year.

David's career is a case study in that kind of impact. After roles with the Village of Wilmette and as Village Manager of Lincolnshire, he served as City Manager of Highland Park, IL, and later as ICMA's Midwest Regional Director. He's continued shaping the next generation of public servants as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, co-founder of the Midwest Leadership Institute, and a longtime mentor to rising local government professionals.

We're proud to count him among our Jayhawk flock. Congratulations, David — this recognition is well earned! 🔴🔵

07/13/2026

Congratulations to Christopher Koliba on the publication of his latest blog for the London School of Economics' USAPP – American Politics and Policy blog.

In the article, "Antiracism is an American and an inherently democratic ideal," Koliba explores how antiracism aligns with the core principles of American democracy, arguing that policies addressing systemic inequities strengthen democratic accountability rather than depart from it.

Read the full article here:

Recent years have seen a backlash against antiracism policies with some conservative commentators framing them as a departure from “American ideals”. Christopher Koliba argues that the “colorblind” policy approach of those who reject Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is havi...

07/06/2026

⚽ 🫶 Proud to see a familiar face in the spotlight during all of the World Cup excitement!⚽🫶

Ruth DeWitt, Director of Community Relations at Explore Lawrence, has been the driving force behind Lawrence's incredible embrace of Algeria's national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a story that's made international headlines from the BBC to the New York Times and The Guardian.

Ruth served SPAA and the University of Kansas Public Management Center for several years as Communications Manager, and we benefited from her wisdom and energy during that time. Watching her lead the Score Lawrence World Cup Unified Command's Culture & Experiences branch — and just this week receive the 2026 Individual Preparedness Partner Award from the Douglas County Local Emergency Planning Committee — is no surprise to those of us who worked alongside her.

Congratulations, Ruth! The Lawrence community (and the world) is lucky to have you telling its story!

📰 Read more:
⚽ www2.ljworld.com/news/general-news/2026/jun/26/lawrences-embrace-of-algerian-fans-is-international-news-leaders-hope-this-bond-continues-after-the-world-cup/
⚽ www.kshb.com/sports/world-cup/two-unlikely-friends-lawrence-resident-welcomes-algerian-fan-into-her-home
⚽www2.ljworld.com/news/public-safety/2026/jul/02/lawrence-police-explore-lawrence-leader-recognized-for-emergency-preparedness-leadership/

Photo credit: Al Miller/KSHB from story by Lily O'Shea Becker

06/26/2026

Congratulations to Bonnie Johnson on being selected to present at the 6th World Planning Schools Congress, Peripheral Visions – Rethinking Planning, taking place June 29–July 3, 2026, in Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere, Finland.

Johnson's presentation, "Re-invigorating the Technical with Art and the Avant-garde," will be featured in the Education and Skills Track on June 30.
The research explores whether changing how planning students are taught to create staff reports can transform what those reports become. By incorporating art, fashion thinking, and avant-garde approaches into planning education, the project challenges traditional assumptions about technical writing and encourages new ways of thinking about communication in planning practice.
The findings suggest that these creative approaches help students move beyond preconceived notions of what staff reports should be while also revealing the internal dialogues and expert knowledge that often remain hidden in technical documents. An unexpected outcome was students reporting that the creative process positively impacted their mental health and wellbeing.

Congratulations to Bonnie Johnson on sharing this innovative research with planning scholars and practitioners from around the world at the World Planning Schools Congress.

06/09/2026

Congratulations to Adelle Runnebaum, Carrie Barr and Zach Carter on graduating from KU Public Management Center’s Emerging Leaders Academy! 🎉

Adelle and Zach serve in Douglas County Criminal Justice Services, and Carrie works in the Douglas County Treasurer’s Office.

The program prepares nonmanagerial staff for leadership roles in their departments and organizations. Great work! ❤️

KU School of Public Affairs and Administration The University of Kansas

06/09/2026

Congratulations to our very own Professor and Assistant School Director, Bonnie Johnson!

Please join us in congratulating Bonnie J. Johnson, PhD, FAICP, on her appointment as Book Review Editor for A respected leader in planning, education, and public service, Dr. Johnson's expertise will help advance thoughtful dialogue within the profession. Read more about her new role and impact on the field.
KU School of Public Affairs and Administration

https://www.planning.org/blog/9330646/bonnie-johnson-phd-faicp-named-book-review-editor-of-journal-of-american-planning-association/

06/08/2026

05/19/2026

🎓✨ Celebrating the Class of 2026!

We proudly recognize our newest graduates across the School of Public Affairs and Administration Ph.D., MPA, MUP, and undergraduate programs. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service, leadership, and academic excellence.

From doctoral scholars to future planners and public administrators, these graduates represent the very best of SPAA. 👏

Huge congratulations to our SPAA graduates—you did it! 💙❤️

📖 Read the full press release and see the complete graduate list: https://tinyurl.com/2026-SPAA-graduation