In its 85th academic year, the Sol Price School of Public Policy remains at the forefront of public affairs research and education, while linking that knowledge to real-world policy and practice. This newsletter edition underscores the numerous actions the people of Price routinely undertake to improve the quality of life for people and their communities in a meaningful way.
In recent weeks, I conferred with legislative teams on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to argue against cuts in federal funding of social science research – cuts that could compromise our ability as a nation to make informed decisions on critical policy issues. Separately, former CA Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and I met with U.S. Secretary of Education, the Senate Majority Leader, and other federal leaders to discuss after-school funding programs as a vital tool for advancing community learning and social policy.
Here on campus, the Price School hosted a national conference on veterans’ affairs to support policy research to assist returning vets. Retired Gen. David Petraeus and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti were among many distinguished speakers and participating experts. Shortly thereafter, we hosted a timely discussion on the value questions raised by municipal bankruptcies and their consequences. In addition the Price-based Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy welcomed author, political commentator, and “Hardball” host Chris Matthews for a lively discussion with Gov. Schwarzenegger and moderator and noted historian Kevin Starr on bipartisanship and governance. Finally, we were also very pleased to announce the appointment of former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as a professor of the practice of policy. He will lecture and work on policy areas critical to our school, including transportation and infrastructure development, port security, public safety, and the environment.
The Price School also held its inaugural George Washington Leadership Lecture, delivered by Kevin Starr, at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington in Mount Vernon, VA. Our school’s partnership with the library facilitates research and education between our two institutions.
More examples of the Prices School’s efforts to link education to practice can be found in the Knowledge in Action section. We recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the City Hall Fellows Program to provide scholarships for the next generation of local leaders studying at Price. New leaders in Bell, Calif. – a city recovering from a scandal involving the mishandling of public funds – engaged in leadership training as part of the Price School’s Executive Education Forum. In addition, Price’s Bedrosian Center on Governance kicked-off this year’s “Leading from the West” series with John Perez, California’s Assembly Speaker since 2008. He shared his insights on governance, leadership, policy, and politics in conversation with Bedrosian Center Director and Price Professor Raphael Bostic.
I want to personally congratulate Professor Bostic and Professor James Ferris, who were inducted as Fellows to the National Academy of Public Administration. They now join a rich legacy of 14 Price School-affiliated NAPA members. The Price community also applauds John Bedrosian, USC alumni, long-time USC supporter, and namesake of the Price center bearing his name. In October I joined USC President Nikias and others as John accepted a Half Century Trojans Hall of Fame award. Congratulations, John!
Linkages between research and practice often cross geographic boundaries, too. Our Global Reach section highlights, among other things, the International Urban Freight Conference, hosted by the METRANS Transportation Center. METRANS, under the guidance of Price Senior Assoc. Dean Gen Giuliano, recently won two grants from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation worth more than $6 million. Already an international leader, the funding will allow METRANS to further extend its impact in transportation research with policy relevance for major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and abroad.
I invite you, as always, to view the latest videos and photos, mark your calendar for upcoming events, and learn about recent Price research news. In between newsletters, please follow us on one or more of our social media platforms.
As we approach both the end of the semester and festive gatherings with friends and family, the inspiring news stories you see here serve as important reminders to me that our school has much to be thankful for – particularly our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other supporters who help propel the Price mission of improving our communities’ quality of life for the better. Enjoy safe and happy holidays from the Price community to yours.
Sincerely,
Jack H. Knott, Dean
C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Chair and Professor
USC Sol Price School of Public Policy