CUPSO Conference Schedule
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION
Courtyard Marriott, Salon Foyer
Boxed lunches included in registration fee
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
PRE-CONFERENCE BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS
No additional fee; open to all attendees.
SESSION 1: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
This workshop will focus on sharing field-tested strategies for 1) internal
communication of organizational priorities, workload allocation, and plans
for the future; 2) reporting to your university in ways that justify your work,
build support for public service, and respond to increased demands for
accountability; and 3) marketing your programs to external constituencies
in ways that build a compelling brand for your organization while
strengthening and expanding your network of supporters.
Moderator: Sarah Pragg, Policy Specialist, Institute for Public
Administration, University of Delaware
Speakers:
 Nancy Karibjanian, Director, Center for Political Communication,
University of Delaware
 Cindy Kyle, Communications Manager, Institute for Public Policy and
Social Research, Michigan State University
 Mary Newsom, Associate Director, Urban Institute, UNC-Charlotte
 Mark Weinberg, Dean, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public
Affairs, Ohio University
SESSION 2: UNIVERSITY PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE AGE OF
SMART COMMUNITIES
Clayton Hall, Pencader Room 106
The “Smart Cities” vision promises massive gains in public service
efficiency and quality of life through the application of information and
communication technologies to urban management. However, there is
significant uncertainty about just how, when, and where this vision might
unfold. This session will explore how smart cities approaches may
translate to a wide variety of settings—from big cities and suburbs to
small towns and rural communities—and policy contexts—from
transportation and public service delivery to emerging business and
economic development opportunities. Facilitated discussion will focus on
how university public service organizations might engage with partner
communities and organizations in evaluating and implementing “smart”
approaches to public management and service delivery.
Moderator: Troy Mix, Policy Scientist, Institute for Public Administration,
University of Delaware
Speakers:
 Russ Brooks, Director, Smart Cities at Transportation for America
 Sarah Kackar, AICP, Planning Practice Manager, Vita Nuova LLC
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
BREAK
SHUTTLES DEPART FOR BUENA VISTA CONFERENCE
CENTER
Courtyard Marriott Lobby
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
WELCOME DINNER AT BUENA VISTA CONFERENCE CENTER
Dinner included for all attendees
This 19th century grand mansion was built by Delaware and U.S.
Statesman John Middleton Clayton between 1845 and 1847. An
impressive example of Greek revival style, it’s named to reflect the
brilliant success in the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican-American
War by the illustrious hero and future President of the United States,
Major General Zachary Taylor. This historic property is surrounded by
acres of farmland, landscaped grounds and walking trails.
Speaker:
 Dick Carter, Chair, Delaware Heritage Commission (Invited)
Thursday, April 20, 2017
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
BREAKFAST AND REGISTRATION
Courtyard Marriott, Salon Foyer
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
WELCOMING REMARKS
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
OPENING ADDRESS: THE UD ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
The University of Delaware launched a new initiative in 2016 to affirm
and expand its commitment to community engagement. Learn more
about this initiative and use it as a foundation for discussion of the role of
public service institutes/centers in the “engaged” university.
Speakers:
 Dan Rich, Professor of Public Policy, School of Public Policy and
Administration, University of Delaware
 The Honorable Tom Carper, United States Senator
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
BREAK
10:30 a.m. – Noon
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
1) TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
Training programs are a mainstay for many CUPSO institutes and
centers. Share ideas with other members about targeted audiences,
marketing strategies, program structures and other issues – and identify
potential opportunities for collaboration.
Moderator: Leann Moore, Assistant Policy Scientist, Institute for Public
Administration, University of Delaware
Speakers:
 Terri Callahan, Director, Certified Public Manager Program, Public
Management Center, University of Kansas
 Macel Ely, Director, Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership, Institute
for Public Service, University of Tennessee
 Howard Frank, Director, The Metropolitan Center, Florida
International University
 Stacy Jones, Associate Director, Governmental Training, Education
and Development, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University
of Georgia
2) PRESENTING DATA IN A MEANINGFUL WAY
Clayton Hall, Pencader Room 106
The ability to acquire, analyze, and interpret data for varying audiences
has become increasingly important for CUPSO institutes and centers
given the proliferation of open data initiatives and the sheer number of
publicly-accessible data sources. This session will offer insights from
CUPSO members related to the key elements of successful, data-driven
research and communication strategies.
Moderator: Troy Mix, Policy Scientist, Institute for Public Administration,
University of Delaware
Speakers:
 Jeff Hughes, Director, Environmental Finance Center, School of
Government, UNC-Chapel Hill
 Phil Keisling, Director, Center for Public Service, Portland State
University
 David Tanner, Associate Director, State Services and Decision
Support, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Noon – 12:15 p.m.
BREAK
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
PROJECT POSTER SHOWCASE
Courtyard Marriott, Salon Foyer
Circulate around the room to talk informally with CUPSO staff members
about work featured in this project poster session. We hope all members
will be represented!
Presenters:
1. Ann Cotten, Director, Schaefer Center for Public Policy,
University of Baltimore
2. Emily Johnson, Associate Director, Institute of Public Policy,
University of Missouri
3. John Stephens, Associate Professor of Public Administration and
Government, School of Government, UNC-Chapel Hill
4. Joe Sumners, Executive Director, Government and Economic
Development Institute, Auburn University
5. Tracy Swan, Senior Project Administrator, Senator Walter Rand
Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University-Camden
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
BREAK
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
PLENARY SESSION: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
The recent election highlighted frustration among citizens (and places)
who felt that their voices were not being heard, and at the same time
made clear the need for new ways of encouraging civil discussion. What
can public service institutes and centers do to help state and local leaders
engage citizens in meaningful ways?
Moderator: Leann Moore, Assistant Policy Scientist, Institute for Public
Administration, University of Delaware
Speakers:
 Dan Clark, Director, Local Government Center, Montana State
University
 Laura Howard, Director, Public Management Center, University of
Kansas
 Janell Walther, Research Specialist, Public Policy Center, University
of Nebraska
3:30 – 4:50 p.m.
4:50 p.m.
BREAK
SHUTTLE TO TOUR LOCATION DEPARTS
Courtyard Marriott Lobby
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
CAMPUS TOUR
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
INFORMAL DINNER AT DEER PARK TAVERN
Join other conference attendees for dinner at the Deer Park Tavern, a
landmark in Newark, Delaware since 1851.
Friday, April 21, 2017
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
DIRECTOR’S BREAKFAST & BUSINESS MEETING
Courtyard Marriott, Salon B
STAFF BREAKFAST
Courtyard Marriott, Salon C
8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
BREAK
8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
PERSPECTIVES FROM UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
Speaker:
Dr. Dennis Assanis, President, University of Delaware
9:15 – 9:30 a.m.
BREAK
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
PLENARY SESSION: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
Engaging students is an increasingly important component in “making a
case” for public service at universities. Hear from other members about
how engaging students can be a win-win in terms of both institute/center
and university missions.
Moderator: Lisa Moreland, Policy Scientist, Institute for Public
Administration, University of Delaware
Speakers:
 Jacqueline Kurlowski, Director, Dyer Institute for Public Policy,
Coastal Carolina University
 Mark Weinberg, Dean, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public
Affairs, Ohio University
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. BREAK
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. PLENARY SESSION: PROJECT SHOWCASE
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C
Get ideas and energy from this session that showcases projects taking
place at CUPSO member institutes and centers.
Moderator: Chris Kelly, Assistant Policy Scientist, Institute for Public
Administration, University of Delaware
Speakers:
 Misty Bruckner, Director, Public Policy and Management Center,
Wichita State University
 Savannah Edwards, Graduate Student, Institute for Public
Administration, University of Delaware
 Rich Engstrom, Associate Director, Institute for Governmental Service
and Research, University of Maryland
 Bryan Farrell, Research Associate, Stennis Institute of Government
and Community Development
 Tedd Povar, Associate Director, Virginia Institute of Government,
Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, University of Virginia
11:45 a.m. – Noon CONFERENCE CONCLUSION
Courtyard Marriott, Salons A-C