School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg

10/14/2026

It was a special day at Penn State Harrisburg as Joe and Barbara Murphy had the opportunity to meet their scholarship recipient, Riley Sloat, an upcoming graduate earning a degree in Sociology!

We are grateful to Joe and Barb for their generosity and commitment to supporting students as they pursue their educational goals. Their scholarship is a wonderful example of how philanthropy makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and helps create opportunities for future graduates.

Thank you, Joe and Barb, for your continued support of Penn State Harrisburg and for investing in Riley’s future. We wish Riley all the best as she prepares for graduation and the exciting opportunities ahead!

10/13/2026

The School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg is well positioned to meet evolving student, community and workforce needs.
Through streamlined coursework, expanded electives, applied research and experiential learning, we’re strengthening career-ready education. Our new Policy Lab exemplifies this commitment, connecting students with community organizations and public agencies to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on experiences.
Across our undergraduate and graduate programs, we prepare the next generation of leaders with the practical skills and expertise to make a difference in the Harrisburg region and beyond.

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

10/06/2026

Last week, Penn State Harrisburg's PADM faculty traveled to Seattle, Washington to attend the 2026 NASPAA Global Conference.

10/01/2026

Last week, the Penn State Harrisburg Criminal Justice Club hosted a Law Enforcement Career Pathways Panel that was generously sponsored by the School of Public Affairs. This panel consisted of 3 law enforcement officers graciously sharing their educational and professional journeys with students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement.

09/29/2026

Up next in our faculty spotlight series.....meet Don Hummer.

09/23/2026

Another summer student highlight to share.....
Congratulations to Madisen Minney on completing an outstanding internship with the Lititz Police Department! Throughout the summer, Madisen gained firsthand exposure to many aspects of law enforcement, including patrol operations, investigations, court proceedings, emergency communications, community policing, and special events. She assisted detectives with a fraud investigation, observed officer training and court hearings, participated in community outreach efforts, and experienced the realities of responding to both routine and high-stress incidents. This immersive experience provided her with a deeper understanding of the profession and the professionalism, critical thinking, and dedication required to serve the community. We are incredibly proud of Madisen's hard work and commitment and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the criminal justice field.

09/23/2026

Please join us in congratulating Ryan Tucker and Ngan “Grace” Nguyen on their acceptance into Widener Commonwealth Law School’s Law School Pathway Program. Admission to this prestigious program is a testament to their hard work, academic achievement, and commitment to pursuing legal careers. The program provides valuable LSAT preparation, mentorship, and exposure to law school and the legal profession, helping participants develop the skills and connections needed for future success. We are proud of Ryan and Grace for this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future

09/22/2026

Investment in our students was on full display during Penn State Harrisburg's 60th Anniversary Celebration this weekend. Pictured are Dr. Ahlin and our student stars, whose creativity, dedication, and hard work were showcased through their podcast projects. Dr. Ahlin's presence on a Saturday reflects the student-centered philosophy that defines her leadership: our work is not about ourselves, but about creating opportunities for students to succeed. Watching students confidently present their work and share their voices was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we invest in their growth, development, and future success.