News

APSA-CEL
Jun 06, 2024

Batten Hosts Back-to-Back Political Science Conferences

The UVA Batten School is excited to co-host the national State Politics and Policy Conference this weekend, bringing together some 140 political science researchers from across the country to share their recent findings on a wide range of topics. Immediately following, Batten hosts the annual conference of the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a joint project with Vanderbilt University.

first destinations 2024
May 22, 2024

Graduation is Over – Now Where To?

This was our largest graduating class yet, with 186 alumni heading out into the world with the determination, empathy, integrity and leadership skills to bridge divides and solve the most pressing policy challenges of our time. Meet a few of them here.   

mariko silver GTL
May 22, 2024

Grounds to Listen: With Dean Solomon and Mariko Silver

On this special episode of "Grounds to Listen," Mariko Silver, president and CEO of the Henry Luce Foundation, joins Dean Solomon for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership. The two discuss the importance of curiosity, the challenges of leading diverse groups of people, and the value of stepping out of your comfort zone.

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. 

Ireland 3
May 15, 2024

Policies for Conflict and Peace in Northern Ireland

The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy offers a capstone course, which includes field study in Ireland over the spring break. The course examines the development of conflict in Northern Ireland, the institutional reforms embedded in the peace process culminating in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the stability of the peace in the ensuing years, and the strains placed on the peace by the Brexit vote in 2016.

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. 

Garrett Hall at Sunset

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