Maxwell School News and Commentary

Uzbekistan Ambassador to the United States Javlon Vahobov and senior officers from the Uzbekistan Embassy met Monday with Syracuse University officials to discuss educational partnerships between their country, the Maxwell School, and the School of Information Studies (iSchool). The visit included meetings with leadership of both schools, a tour of campus, and meetings with students.

Before serving as Zika’s chief of staff, Jihun Han ’16 B.A. (PSc) worked as a political affairs manager for the Oregon Association of Realtors, one of the largest trade associations in Oregon.

Farhana Sultana, associate professor of geography and research director for environmental collaboration and conflicts, has been awarded the 2019 Glenda Laws Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to geographic research on social issues. 

They are Michael G. Fox ’95 B.A. (Soc) , Nancy Jacobson ’94 B.A.(PSc) , Brian White ’02 M.P.A., and Debra Whitman ’97 Ph.D. (Econ) . In addition, Molly Broad ’62 B.A. (Econ) , a long-time member of the board, has been added to its list of honorary members.

Yilin Hou, professor of public administration and international affairs and senior research associate at the Center for Policy Research, has won a prestigious economic policy research award from the Pu Shan Foundation of China, for his paper "Real Property Tax: Ability to Pay, Distribution of Tax Burden, and Redistribution Effects."

Mathematica Policy Research has appointed Maxwell alumna Kimberlin Butler ’03 M.P.A. as their new director of foundation engagement. In her new role, Butler will lead the organization’s work with foundations, grantees, and their partners.

Maxwell alumnus John E. Hall ’00 M.P.A. has been named the new executive director of the Indianapolis Housing Agency, which provides public housing services and skills-based training programs to over 9,600 Indianapolis residents. Hall previously served as director for the City of Wichita’s Housing and Community Services Department, where he successfully implemented affordable housing preservation and health home initiatives.

Beginning in mid-June, the Maxwell School will host 25 of Africa’s bright, emerging public management leaders for a six-week Leadership Institute, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

That will be just one question considered when a new Syracuse University institute, housed at Maxwell, addresses the policy issues and social impacts associated with drones, self-driving cars, and other autonomous systems.