Sanford School of Public Policy

Sanford School of Public Policy
source
Name	Sanford School of Public Policy
Established	1971
Type	Public policy school
Parent	Duke University
Dean	Judith Kelley
City	Durham, North Carolina
Country	United States
Website	sanford.duke.edu

Sanford School of Public Policy. It is a professional school of Duke University dedicated to education, research, and engagement on major public policy challenges. Founded as the Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, it was renamed in 2009 following a transformative gift from Melinda French Gates and the family of former United States Senator Terry Sanford. The school is consistently ranked among the top public policy programs in the United States, known for its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on bridging academic research with real-world application.

History

The school traces its origins to 1971 with the establishment of the Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, an initiative championed by Duke President Terry Sanford. Under the leadership of founding director Joel Fleishman, the institute quickly grew, launching a master's program that attracted students like future North Carolina Governor Mike Easley. A significant expansion occurred in 1994 with the creation of the Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy, consolidating undergraduate and graduate programs. The school achieved its current name and status in 2009 following a landmark gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Sanford family, honoring the legacy of Terry Sanford, who also served as Governor of North Carolina and president of Duke University. This endowment facilitated major growth in faculty, research centers, and global initiatives, cementing its position within the broader landscape of institutions like the Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

Academics

The school offers a comprehensive curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, the Master of Public Policy, a mid-career Master of International Development Policy, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy. Its pedagogy emphasizes quantitative analysis, ethical reasoning, and hands-on experience through required internships and a capstone Policy Analysis project where students tackle real problems for clients such as the World Bank, the United Nations, and various U.S. federal government agencies. The interdisciplinary faculty includes experts in economics, political science, sociology, and law, with many holding joint appointments across Duke, including with the Duke University School of Law and the Duke Global Health Institute. The school also administers several executive education programs for leaders from organizations like the United States Agency for International Development and the United States Department of Defense.

Research centers and initiatives

Research is organized through numerous cross-disciplinary centers that address specific policy domains. Key units include the Center for Child and Family Policy, the Duke Center for International Development, and the Duke University Energy Initiative. The school houses the Hart Leadership Program and the Polis: Center for Politics, which focus on civic engagement and political analysis. Major research initiatives often involve collaborations with entities like the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Health Organization, examining issues from global migration and inequality to climate change and democratic governance. These centers frequently host public lectures and conferences featuring prominent figures from institutions such as the Brookings Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty includes distinguished scholars and practitioners such as former White House adviser Bruce Jentleson, health policy expert David B. Ridley, and economist Charles Clotfelter. Past faculty have included renowned political scientist James David Barber. Alumni hold influential positions worldwide, spanning government, non-profits, and the private sector. Notable graduates include former United States Secretary of Transportation and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, former CIA Deputy Director Avril Haines, North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls, and The New York Times journalist Katie Thomas. Other distinguished alumni are humanitarian Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Rajiv Shah, former administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.

Campus and facilities

The school is centrally located on Duke's West Campus in Durham, North Carolina, primarily housed in Rubenstein Hall, a modern facility named for philanthropist David Rubenstein. The building contains technologically advanced classrooms, the Duke University Press offices, and the Sanford Archives. Adjacent is the renovated Old Chemistry Building, which provides additional space for research centers and faculty. The school's facilities support its community engagement mission, featuring the Duke in DC office for Washington-based programs and proximity to resources like the Duke University Libraries and the Nasher Museum of Art. The campus setting facilitates collaboration with other Duke professional schools, including the Duke University School of Medicine and the Fuqua School of Business.

Category:Duke University Category:Public policy schools in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1971 Category:Durham, North Carolina