News

Highland
May 21, 2024

From Roads, to Trees to Gifts: Graduation Speakers Illustrate the Diversity of Public Service Journeys

After receiving their diplomas in Final Exercises on the Lawn on Saturday morning, nearly 200 Batten BA and MPP graduates gathered with their guests, and faculty and staff later in the day to celebrate. Keynote speaker Dr. Adriana Kugler, along with Ellie Stombres (BA ’24) and Collin Quigley (MPP ’24), delivered thoughtful remarks, at times somber and funny, about choosing a career in public service. 

khalila
May 15, 2024

Student’s Essay Leads Her to Global Symposium in Switzerland

Batten graduating MPP student Khalila Karefa-Kargbo recently returned from the St. Gallen Symposium Switzerland where she was one of only 100 students from around the world qualifying through its global essay competition to participate as a "Leader of Tomorrow."  Congratulations Khalila! 

combined awards
May 08, 2024

Batten Pilot and Legacy Awards Announced

As the academic year closes, the Batten community has come together to honor several exemplary students who have been nominated by peers, faculty and staff for their consistent and superior work and dedication inside and outside the classroom. These awards are based on principles and traits exemplary of and important to our founder, the late Frank Batten, Sr.

Izzy
May 02, 2024

Batten Student Highlight: Izzy Motta (BA '24)

Izzy Motta (BA, 2024) reflects on her 2023 summer internship at the Alliance for Securing Democracy, housed within the esteemed German Marshall Fund, yielding insights into the dynamic fusion of research, communication and tangible impact within the sphere of global democracy and security challenges.

Pav
May 01, 2024

Echoes of Reflection: Exploring Pavilion X Exhibit's Enduring Impact

Within the walls of Pavilion X, one of the ten original neoclassical faculty residences that line the Lawn, a powerful exhibition confronts visitors with the complexities of the past. Launched in 2022, this thought-provoking display challenges viewers to delve deeper into the often-overlooked truths that shaped the very bricks of the university's iconic Academical Village.

ellie stombres
Apr 29, 2024

Batten Student Highlight: Ellie Stombres (BA '24)

Holding diverse roles as Batten Undergraduate Council President, Lead Admissions Ambassador and Congressional Intern with Senator Tim Kaine, Ellie Stombres (BA '24) offers a diverse array of insights and lessons for Batten students. She is bound for a career in public service after taking a break this summer to attend culinary school in London. 

elizabeth andrews
Apr 25, 2024

Climate Change: Doing Nothing is Not an Option

As one of the foremost environmental attorneys in Virginia, Elizabeth Andrews has a front-row seat for the conundrums of climate change policy. On Earth Day, Andrews was our guest speaker for this year’s final Batten Hour, co-hosted by UVA’s Environmental Institute and the Institute for Engagement and Negotiation.

Tadler
Apr 24, 2024

Advancing Innovative Policy in Rural Virginia and Beyond

The Batten School is making significant strides in advancing rural policy and economic development through its inaugural Tadler Fellowship in Impact Investing. This innovative program is not only supporting the White House's Rural Partner Network (RPN) Initiative to strengthen rural economies, but is also working directly with communities in Southwest Virginia to develop solutions for their unique economic and social challenges. 

Tran
Apr 18, 2024

Navigating Policy Pathways to Empower Rural Communities

For Jenny Tran (MPP '24), the decision to pursue a summer internship at the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C. think tank, was a natural extension of her passion for sustainable development policy. While there, she contributed to published research on the Rural Partners Network, a USDA program supporting underserved rural communities in the transition to a greener economy. 

Garrett Hall at Sunset

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