Martin School director elected to elite group of national leader

Edward Jennings, director of the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, has been elected a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Jennings joins an elite group of leading scholars and public administrators, including former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who are recognized for leadership and devotion to effective public administration.

“Being chosen is truly an honor,” Jennings said. “It’s good to know that people take notice of the work I’ve done and to know it has had an impact.”

Jennings is one of 35 elected this year and will receive official recognition at the Academy's fall meeting in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 17. Fellows contribute to the work of the Academy, which includes serving on standing panels that conduct research on topics such as intergovernmental systems, fiscal affairs and homeland security. Jennings will be a member of the Social Equity and Governance standing panel.

Jennings has been at UK’s Martin School for 16 years. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of New Orleans and his doctorate in political science from Washington University in St. Louis.

“I believe strongly that individual achievement is a result not only of individual effort, but of those we work with,” Jennings said. “I work with wonderful colleagues and have great students —†they have contributed immensely to everything I have accomplished.”

The Academy has an unmatched wealth of expertise among its membership of more than 500 fellows, who serve as the cornerstone of the organization. These current and former public managers and scholars, business executives and labor leaders, Cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, mayors, state legislators, and diplomats provide insight and experience as they oversee Academy projects and provide general guidance.

Fellows are also the Academy’s primary vehicle for addressing emerging issues and contributing to the intellectual and popular discourse on government. Fellows elect new members of the Academy each year. The principal criterion for selection is a sustained and outstanding contribution to the field of public administration through public service or scholarship.

For more information on the Academy, visit www.napawash.org/index.html.

— Jennifer T. Allen