UD Biden School of Public Policy and Administration

05/28/2026

For five seasons, All Politics Is Personal has explored the stories behind public service — the family, faith, loss, resilience, and purpose that shape leaders long before they ever hold office. In this special finale recap episode, Valerie Biden Owens, Chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware, reflects on unforgettable conversations with governors, senators, members of Congress, mayors, and changemakers from across the country and across the political spectrum.

Thank you to all of our guests, viewers and partners for joining us throughout this series.

SNF Ithaca Initiative
Stavros Niarchos Foundation

For five seasons, All Politics Is Personal has explored the stories...

05/22/2026

Congratulations to the UD Biden School Class of 2026. You did it! 🎉🎓💙💛

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Jane Case, UD Biden School Associate Professor and Assistant Director of the SNF Ithaca Initiative, and SNF Ithaca Student Leader Danielle Blachar for being recognized at the UD Honors College Distinguished Scholars Mentor Dinner earlier this month.

The event recognizes outstanding seniors and the mentors they wish to thank. The celebration was full of promise and gratitude, and an example of how the University of Delaware works to ensure individuals belong with joy and are educated with outcomes.

05/19/2026

Reflecting on last month's day trip to Washington, DC (+ cooler temps) and wishing we could go back.

05/15/2026

Please join us in congratulating UD Biden School faculty members Philip Barnes, Alisa Moldavanova, and Andrea Pierce on their promotions to associate and full professors, respectively, as announced at the UD Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, May 11.

Barnes, as Lead Policy Scientist with the Institute for Public Administration and Program Faculty Director of the Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. Program, Moldavanova, as Director of Master's Studies, and Pierce, as Director of Undergraduate Studies, are instrumental in driving the Biden School's mission forward in the work they do each and every day.

05/07/2026

In S5E3 of All Politics is Personal, Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty talks with UD Biden Institute Chair Valerie Biden Owens about how serving in Iraq at 19 shaped her path to becoming the first woman and youngest mayor of Beaverton, Oregon.

Full episode available below.

SNF Ithaca Initiative Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Valerie Biden Owens, Chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware, sits down with Lacey Beaty, the first woman and youngest mayor of Beaverton,...

05/01/2026

We’re getting ready to welcome the next class of Blue Hens 💙💛

If UD feels like the right fit this fall, there’s still time to make it official. The deadline to accept your offer has been extended.

Get started: https://brnw.ch/21x2752

04/30/2026

Valerie Biden Owens, Chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware , sits down with Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska. The two discuss moments that shaped Mayor Gaylor Baird's sense of purpose, the role of family in her decision to run for office, and why local government is where she feels closest to the people she serves.

Watch the full episode now.

Made possible in partnership with the SNF Ithaca Initiative, Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

All Politics is Personal | Season 5, Episode 2 | Leirion Gaylor Baird

04/29/2026

Give from the heart—help shape the future of public service. 💙 💛

Today, on I Heart UD Giving Day, Blue Hens are giving back to the University that we love. Your gift of any size to the Biden School makes you a champion for our community.

Explore our 7 fundraising projects and make a donation today: https://givingday.udel.edu/giving-day/112282/set/8415

04/28/2026

Congratulations to Biden School student Mirabella Troncoso! We're so proud of you.

04/23/2026