The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia announces that Ian Solomon, dean of the Batten School and professor of practice of public policy, and Brian Williams, associate professor of public policy, have been selected by the National Academy of Public Administration for inclusion in its 2022 Class of Academy Fellows. This honor recognizes their years of public administration service and expertise.

Solomon is dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where he leads a multidisciplinary faculty in creating knowledge and developing leaders to solve humanity’s greatest policy challenges. Trained as a lawyer, with experience in business, policymaking, and international diplomacy, Solomon is a devoted student and teacher of both negotiation and conflict resolution.

“Too many Americans have lost faith in government leadership and public policy,” Solomon said, “and yet the public challenges we face are as daunting as ever. I am fired up to work with other NAPA Fellows to address the profound threats facing our democracy, our climate, our public health, our global peace and security and more. I am excited to learn and to contribute whatever knowledge and I experience I can to advance the Academy vision of excellence in government, inclusive communities and vibrant democratic leadership.”

Williams said, “It is indeed an honor and privilege to be elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. I stand on the shoulders of giants and am grateful to those who have entrusted me and the other 2022 Fellows with this awesome responsibility and opportunity. I look forward to engaging in the vital work of the Academy to build more effective, efficient, accountable, equitable, and transparent organizations and assist government leaders in better aligning public institutions with public expectations.”

Williams is also Director of the Public Engagement in Governance: Looking, Listening and Learning Laboratory (the “PEGLLLLab”) at UVA. His research centers on issues related to demographic diversity, local law enforcement and public governance, with special attention devoted to the co-production of public safety and public order.

“Dean Solomon and Professor Williams bring honor to the University of Virginia through their leadership and scholarship,” said Ian Baucom, Executive Vice President and Provost. “They exemplify the Batten School’s commitment to thoughtful service, intentional action, and solving tough policy challenges. I am proud and grateful that their contributions have been recognized by the Academy.”

Selection of the Academy’s new Fellows follows a rigorous review of the individual’s contributions to the field of public administration and policy. A Fellows Nominating Committee makes its recommendations to the full Fellowship, which then votes on those individuals to be elected. The 2022 class joins more than 950 Academy Fellows -- including former cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, mayors and state legislators, as well as prominent scholars, business executives, and public administrators. 

“I am very pleased to welcome both Dean Solomon and Professor Williams to the Academy’s 2022 class of Fellows,” said Terry Gerton, President and CEO of the Academy. “Our distinguished Academy Fellows are nationally recognized and respected for their expertise in the field of public administration, and Dean Solomon and Professor Williams are no exception. We proudly welcome this outstanding new class of Fellows that will help advance the Academy vision - a just, fair, and inclusive government that strengthens communities and protects democracy.”

Induction of the new Fellows will occur during the annual Academy Fall Meeting, which will take place virtually and in-person November 2-4 at three host sites (Academy headquarters in Washington, D.C., Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, and University of Connecticut in Hartford, CT), with a focus on “Strengthening Social and Economic Development Through Meaningful Work.” Registration information can be found here.