Themes and Provost Fellows

Each year a new public affairs theme guides various events, programming and the Public Affairs Conference.

Theme selection

A committee of students, faculty, staff and community members select a theme each year from nominations submitted by the campus community.  Each theme is introduced during the fall New Student Convocation and is carried throughout the academic year.  Discussion, perspectives and programming of the theme will be viewed through the lens of three pillars of public affairs: ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.

Provost fellow for public affairs

The provost fellow is responsible for refining the annual public affairs theme, developing and promoting public affairs activities, and serving as the chair of the Public Affairs Conference. The office of the provost welcomes nominations for a fellow for Public Affairs.

Soliciting nominations now for the 2025-2026 fellow