Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs

Makayla Paris is putting policy into practice. As one of six UT students participating in the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program, she’s gaining real-world experience and building a future in public service. 🔗 Read her story: bit.ly/4wfWUeI

Meet Julia Dieter, the Baker School's first Truman Scholar. Fewer than 60 students nationwide earn this honor each year. For Julia, the process did more than recognize her work. It helped shape what comes next. Read more - bit.ly/4ta5Cbs

⛳ A strong finish to year one. Baker LLC students wrapped up their first year of college @topgolf, celebrating a community built through mentorship, support, and a shared commitment to be part of the solution.

We are proud to celebrate undergraduate and graduate research at the Baker School. #BakerVols showcased innovative work across a range of topics, made possible through close collaboration with faculty mentors. #UTKResearch #BePartoftheSolution

For Gabi Karatantcheva, moments of crisis became moments of clarity, helping her discover a passion for emergency management. Driven by a desire to help others, her journey reflects resilience and purpose. Read her full story 👉 bit.ly/3QkUPO5

As Dr. Edmund Stazyk begins his new role as associate dean for academic affairs, the Baker School recognizes Dr. John Scheb’s lasting impact in building a strong academic foundation and leading the school through its early years. Read more 👉 bit.ly/42yqD4I

Congratulations to junior Julia Dieter, of Signal Mountain, Tenn., on being named a 2026 Truman Scholar! This prestigious national award recognizes students with outstanding leadership potential and commitment to public service. Read more: news.utk.edu/2026/04/24/ut-…

Assistant Professor John Stavick brings real-world insight into how budget decisions impact the public workforce and pushes students to navigate the tradeoffs behind every dollar. Read more 👉 bit.ly/4ewN41k

Louie Perry is discovering that public service goes beyond the classroom. Through hands-on campaign work and global engagement, his experience at the Baker School is shaping how he approaches policy and leadership. Read his story 👉 bit.ly/4cbFmIC

@Tennalum Amy Gleason returned to Rocky Top to join Dean Marianne Wanamaker's Leading Effectively class, sharing how the government is leveraging technology to better serve citizens. #BakerVols #BePartoftheSolution

Why aren't gas prices dropping faster? Associate Professor Timothy Fitzgerald is helping the media break down how global supply, conflict, and market lag all play a role. bit.ly/4tfTeYc

Congratulations to our #BakerVols elected to serve in SGA! We can't wait to see the impact they make on Rocky Top and beyond. #BePartoftheSolution #StudentLeaders

Congratulations to all #NewVols! Make it official by confirming your enrollment and find more ways to celebrate at confirm.utk.edu. #BakerVols #BePartoftheSolution

Oklahoma City Mayor @davidfholt, inaugural recipient of the Baker Award for Public Service, will deliver the first Baker Award Distinguished Lecture. 📅 Monday, April 13 🕠 5:30–6:30 p.m. 📍 Baker School, Toyota Auditorium #BakerAwardLecture #PublicService

Baker LLC residents volunteered with @karmstores, sorting donations, stocking shelves, and learning more about KARM’s impact in the community. Experiences like this reflect what the Baker LLC is all about: fostering professional growth while creating meaningful connections.

Margaret Walls is our next speaker in the Energy & Environment Forum series. 📅 Thursday, March 26 🕠 1-2:30 p.m. 📍 Baker School, Toyota Auditorium

We're excited to share that Season 8 is here! Governors @PhilBredesen and @BillHaslam take on tough issues in the spirit of Senator Baker, with humility and respect for alternative points of view. Watch the first episode of Season 8 ▶️ bit.ly/3Ps4kdG

Some of our Baker Vols spent last week in Washington, D.C. as part of the Spring Break Washington Fellows trip! They explored policy issues in education, national security, and foreign affairs.

National recognition for a #BakerVol! Julia Dieter, a junior Public Affairs major, has been named a 2026 finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship (@TrumanApp). She is @UTKnoxville's sole finalist and one of two Tennesseans selected. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/40Zh4ej

The lesson: Good policy research starts by listening. That insight has shaped graduate student Madison Lackey's work at the Baker School and the questions she hopes to pursue as she applies to PhD programs. 🔗 Read her story: bit.ly/4blLpIQ