From the Dean: Welcome to the New Semester, Fall 2024

As we begin this new semester, it is with great joy and gratitude that I warmly welcome all of our new students—whether you’re pursuing a BA, MPA, or PhD, joining us in person or online, from New Jersey or from afar. A special welcome goes out to our many first-generation students and our wonderfully diverse student body. You are now part of one of the finest public affairs programs in the country, with a proud five-decade legacy of shaping public administrators who have gone on to make a profound impact on the world. I’m honored to accompany you on this journey of service, enrichment, innovation, and growth—a journey marked by connection, compassion, partnership, and transformation.

To our returning students—welcome back! I hope this semester brings you closer to your dreams, strengthens your professional networks, and deepens your knowledge. I know how hard you’ve worked to get here, and it’s truly inspiring to see you continue to push boundaries and grow stronger. You inspire us with your dedication, and we’re eager to see what you’ll accomplish next.

I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and a warm welcome to our dedicated faculty and staff. Your unwavering commitment and hard work are what make this school shine. I am grateful for everything you bring to our community, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow and improve together.

This semester is an extraordinary moment in time. With the upcoming presidential election, the complexities of our current global landscape, and the rapid growth of new technologies like AI, there are so many important questions for us to explore. As a school, we are uniquely positioned to tackle these issues—not just to study them, but to find ways to make a real impact. And we’ll be doing that together—with you.

We have some exciting opportunities and activities ahead, and I hope you’ll take full advantage of them. Every Wednesday will be "Collaboration Day" at our school, when faculty and staff will be on campus and available for you to visit and connect with in person. We’re also introducing “Coffee with the Dean” on the third Wednesday of every month—an open invitation to sit down, chat with me, share your thoughts and ideas, or just enjoy a moment together.

My team and I are always here for you. Whether you need advice, guidance, or just someone to listen—we’ve got your back. I’m really excited to see what this semester holds for all of us, and I can’t wait to witness the incredible things you’ll achieve.

Here’s to a productive and fulfilling semester. Let’s make it a great one!

Kaifeng Yang, PhD
Dean and Professor
Rutgers SPAA