Dr. Jennie C. Stephens, Global Resilience Institute (GRI) Director for Strategic Research Collaborations, has been named Director of Northeastern University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs (SPPUA) in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH).

Dr. Stephens is also Dean’s Professor of Sustainability Science & Policy and is affiliated with the department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and the department of Cultures, Societies & Global Studies.

09/13/16 - BOSTON, MA. - Jennie Stephens poses for a portrait on Sept. 13, 2016. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University
09/13/16 – BOSTON, MA. – Jennie Stephens poses for a portrait on Sept. 13, 2016. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

“I’m both honored and thrilled to have been named the new director of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs,” writes Dr. Stephens in SPPUA’s May newsletter. “SPPUA is a unique networked community of committed, passionate, engaged learners, scholars, activists, analysts, and practitioners. SPPUA is a place where students feel part of a community that challenges them to undertake rigorous research projects and create innovative new approaches to local and global issues. SPPUA is a place where faculty engage in cutting-edge, applied research that crosses disciplinary boundaries and shapes the world. And SPPUA is a place where staff are committed to providing exceptional services to students, alumni, and faculty. I look forward to engaging with our SPPUA networks, continuing to make new and valuable connections among alumni, public, private, and nonprofit organizations. From our innovative master’s programs, to our unique PhD program, to our multiple undergraduate offerings, SPPUA continues to expand its reach.”

Describing the school as unique within Northeastern because of its opportunities to connect and collaborate across the university, Dr. Stephens notes the several research centers—including Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, the Boston Area Research Initiative, the Resilient Cities Lab, and the Social Impact Lab—which provide opportunities for SPPUA faculty to engage in innovative, interdisciplinary, applied research.  Within SPPUA, she plans to build upon her experience facilitating partnerships and collaborations within GRI.

“Dr. Stephens is well positioned to lead the school in expanding the impact of its educational, research, and public mission, while contributing to the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and Northeastern University,” an announcement from CSSH states. “With particular strengths in resilience and sustainability science and policy, she is a leading interdisciplinary and collaborative scholar. Dr. Stephens is also an effective administrator and research leader who brings experience enhancing diverse networks and facilitating collaborations among faculty, students, programs and organizations both within and beyond Northeastern.”

To learn more about SPPUA, CLICK HERE for their monthly newsletter.