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Professor Ben Castleman has dedicated his career to understanding how to improve postsecondary educational outcomes, especially for low-income or under-resourced students. His latest publication, in the American Economic Review, brings new and compelling evidence on how strategic advising influences college success.

The 4th annual Farms-to-Institution Symposium brought together farmers, chefs, and institutional leaders to explore how local partnerships and regenerative agriculture can build a healthier food system for people and the planet.

The Batten Graduate Council (BGC) combined fun and purpose, hosting a pickleball tournament that raised $500 for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and strengthened connections across the MPP program.

UVA Batten associate professor of public policy and economics Tim Layton, an expert on the economics of health insurance markets, has published several research papers in recent months.

At Batten Hour, alumni Hannah Gavin (MPP ’20), Jacquelyn Katzen (MPP ’17), and Victoria Edwards (BA/MPP ’14) shared how strategic communication turns ideas into action, whether in advocacy, corporate messaging, or crisis response. Their insights highlighted that clear, purposeful storytelling is a key tool for influence and impact.

Erin Malec of the Southern Environmental Law Center shared how storytelling is rooted in strategy, values, and hope that can move people and shape public outcomes.

Colonel John J. Thomas (Col ’88, GSAS ’91), father of Batten alumnae Anna Thomas (MPP '25) returned to UVA to share lessons from his career in crisis communication, reminding students that every crisis is human before it is operational.

The Environmental Resilience Lab launches student-centered research training and mentorship experience for students interested in exploring research careers at the intersection of economics, public policy, and environmental science.

Professor of practice Melanie Anne Egorin joined the Batten faculty this fall. A health policy expert, she most recently served as assistant secretary for legislation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In her short time at Batten, Egorin has already created several opportunities to expose students to the process of real-world policymaking, some of which include bringing former colleagues from Capitol Hill to Grounds to connect with the Batten community.

This week’s Batten Hour debuted the first of our monthly career programs, Policy in Practice, featuring graduates who’ve taken their Batten training and put it to work in the world. This inaugural event featured alumni from Batten’s first cohort and more recent graduates working in national security, economic development, diplomacy, and leadership development.

The Batten School embraces the importance of a well-rounded human experience to shape the leaders who will be able to meet the complex and diverse policy challenges of today. This fall, we are excited to welcome seven transfer students into our Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership program who have all journeyed on different paths to arrive here.

Arif (BA ’23) was selected as one of 45 nationwide recipients of the highly competitive Rangel Graduate Fellowship, which prepares young people for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service. As part of the program, she began her Master's in International Affairs program at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs this fall.