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JU Public Policy Institute hailed in Florida Times-Union lead editorial

The Florida Times-Union is hailing Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute as a “welcome addition” to the community that will help train better leaders and raise the level of dialogue on important issues facing the region and beyond.

In a Tuesday, Sept. 17, lead editorial, the newspaper praises the vision of JU leaders including JU PPI Director Rick Mullaney in seeing the vital benefits a non-partisan policy institute will have on the area.

“The two-year degree program, which recently began classes with 14 students in its first-ever class, doesn’t just look to groom future policy makers,” the editorial states. “It also seeks to produce graduates who will be effective policymakers whether they hold public office, run nonprofit organizations, launch businesses, oversee economic think tanks or assume countless other positions and roles.”

Rick Mullaney

The JU Master in Public Policy program, the first in Florida, prepares students for leadership and diverse career opportunities in the public, private and non-profit sectors, and to solve community problems.

The Institute is offering a Master in Public Policy degree, as well as the first MPP-JD (juris doctor), MPP-MBA (master in business administration) and MPP/MA-MS/MSC (marine science) dual degree programs in the state. The MPP-JD is being offered in conjunction with Florida Coastal School of Law.

All the programs have been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accrediting agency.

The Times-Union editorial points out that the timing is right for the JU PPI, and praises its experienced advisory board.

“Too often, people in public office don’t realize many of the critical issues they confront require economic and legal knowledge — and not merely canny political skills,” it states.

“JU’s Public Policy Institute could also help raise the community conversation on major issues and decisions, thanks to an advisory board of respected, top-tier community leaders and officials…. With so many heavyweight advisers on board, the institute has ample expertise available to conduct research studies, sponsor public forums and do other projects to educate the local populace on important topics, such as Jacksonville Port Authority’s economic potential, the impact of Obamacare on area health care, reviving downtown Jacksonville or public pensions.”

Each year, 20-25 students will progress through the curriculum, which stresses not just political science, but other subjects such as economics and law.

“It’s a welcome addition to Jacksonville’s academic community and to our overall community as well,” the Times-Union concludes.

Read the full editorial here.

To learn more about the JU Public Policy Institute or to apply, visit www.ju.edu/ppi, e-mail rmullan1@ju.edu or call (904) 955-1857.