Building on the success of its Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Studies, the Department of Political Science in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences has launched a new initiative focused on resilient philanthropy and public policy.

The initiative will be aimed at complementing the existing M.P.A. program offerings, while providing the opportunity for students to delve deeper and identify management approaches that promote accountability, high-quality governance, innovative fund development, as well as support for projects for interdisciplinary collaboration in the public and nonprofit sector, both on and off campus.

"This is an exciting new way for our students to get hands-on experience and preparation for meaningful careers," said Todd Shields, dean of Fulbright College. "And just as our students will benefit from their work on innovative projects, our community will benefit from the active involvement and purposeful problem-solving of our students."

The initiative was made possible by an initial $25,000 gift from political science professor Margaret Reid, who is also spearheading a fundraising campaign to secure an additional matching $25,000 to fund program and initiative activities.

"The initiative is a catalyst for change and will be a way to really enhance our service learning classes and our program's reputation both here in Northwest Arkansas, across the state and far beyond," said Reid, whose research focuses on gendered workplaces, complexities involving the implementation of multi-actor policy partnerships, and sustainable community development.

Reid made the gift to supplement a $500,000 M.P.A. endowment created by alumnus Ray Gosack's estate last June. Gosack's endowment provides ongoing support for the M.P.A. program, which aims to create a broad, flexible foundation to prepare students for careers in public service for the government, with non-governmental organizations and in the nonprofit business sector.

Likewise, the Initiative for Resilient Philanthropy and Public Policy will enhance M.P.A. offerings through more service learning opportunities, focused student-led projects, and more outreach and collaboration with local, national and international groups and nonprofits.

"It's a clear win for our students and our community," said Pearl K. Dowe, chair of the Department of Political Science. "And the initiative will be a game-changer for recruiting talented students to our M.P.A. and other programs, who want to be able to work on interdisciplinary projects and community collaborations that make an immediate, positive impact."

Reid agreed with Dowe and added that, "Having funding available for projects through the initiative will also help us continue to keep the best students. This is a unique initiative, intended to fit our area — so we can become a hub for innovative nonprofit approaches that can create truly inclusive and supportive communities."

Reid said the initiative will also enhance the Cross-sector Alliances graduate certificate that the Department of Political Science's M.P.A. program shares with the Walton College of Business' M.B.A. program.

Additionally, the initiative will help faculty and students work on more innovative research, Reid said, and support career development for students through work experiences and by bringing in guest speakers and professionals from outside the Northwest Arkansas region.

"This will allow our students to 'play' with creative solutions to common problems by looking at what's currently happening in our communities. They'll have a chance to really, intentionally take on complex problems — like the affordable housing crisis — and work on these real-life problems in a way that can truly change our world," Reid said.

For more information about the initiative please visit the Department of Political Science website or contact Margaret Reid at mreid@uark.edu.