The Cornell Jebb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary on September 15, has experienced significant growth in its first year.
The school currently has 55 professors and is expanding student opportunities with Bachelor’s and PhD degrees, as well as an Executive Master’s Program in Health Care and an Executive Master’s Program in Public Administration. Brooks is also working to expand its course offerings.
First Dean Colleen Barry said the school’s mission is built around growth and longevity.
“I hope that within ten years people will be at a stage where people know about the school and recognize its mission within the larger university. We hope that the wider community will get to know us,” Barry said.
Four members of the 2022 Brooks Alumni are the first recipients of the John Siliciano Student Leadership Award, which recognizes alumni for outstanding academic achievement and leadership.
“The work we do through research, student internships, engagement and community organizations will build this reputation for students and faculty making a difference in the world,” Barry said.
Barry’s background is in health policy through which he works to improve mental health care and reduce barriers to access to health care. Objects and opportunities would have expanded her academic interests, she says.
“I wish I could be in the classroom and learn more,” said Barry. “I want to learn more about climate change and environmental sustainability. Race and public policy are also very important issues.”
The Brooks School seeks to address these issues through various institutes and centers, including the Cornell Population Center, Institute for Politics and Global Affairs, Cornell Infrastructure Policy Program, and Cornell in Washington Study Program. These programs facilitate discussion of global issues such as Taiwan’s history of democracy and sustainable infrastructure. In addition, school classes are not only intended to educate students on current policy issues, but also to assist them in developing solutions to these issues.
“Whether it’s environmental policy, technology challenges, or tackling historical racism embedded in policy, we’re teaching our students the tools for equality. said Barry.
Barry is an advocate for finding effective ways to teach students to communicate effectively in the heat of policy debate.
Dean Barry argues that “students develop marketable skills in all kinds of jobs, tackle complex issues that rational people disagree with, and translate their work into the public discourse.” I hope that you will graduate with the openness and ability to do so in the direction of
Barry said that in establishing the foundation of the Brooks School, the focus is on building a legacy that will last for years to come.
“I am rarely in a position to start something new,” said Barry. “As the first dean, there is an incredible amount of creativity in thinking about how to set up the school long after I am gone. I remember every day how privileged it is.”
