MARY CURTIN
Diplomat-in-Residence
Humphrey School of Public A airs
University of MinnesotaPromoting Research
and Learning on
Global Issues in a
Changing World
As one of the country’s top ten professional public
policy and planning schools, the Humphrey School of
Public Affairs prepares students to lead in communi-
ties worldwide. Our school community is shaped by
the legacy of Minnesotans who have exercised leader-
ship on global issues ranging from Arvonne and Don
Fraser’s pioneering efforts to advance women’s rights
and human rights to Harold Stassen’s role in creating
the United Nations and leading the fi rst nuclear arms
control talks. And with increasing consensus in foreign
policy circles that addressing gender inequalities is
key to long-term peace and security, the Humphrey
School is one of the only public policy schools to offer
a concentration in gender and public policy.How is the Humphrey School making a global impact?
As global institutions and democracies are challenged
by climate change, confl ict, and rising nationalism,
the Humphrey School leads in cutting-edge interdis-
ciplinary research and teaching that seeks solutions to
global problems. After a twenty-fi ve year career with
the Department of State as a foreign service offi cer, I
know the importance of ensuring students graduate
with a deep knowledge about global institutions and
issues, the analytical skills to think creatively about
new challenges to international systems, and a network
of relationships with organizations and individuals
working to address those problems.
Professor Greta Friedemann-Sánchez researches
the linkage between domestic violence and confl ict in
Colombia, this year presenting her research at the UnitedNations Human Rights Council in Geneva to persuade
its members to put pressure on Colombia to address
intimate partner violence. Professor Ragui Assaad is an
expert in the impact of confl ict-related refugee fl ows on
affected groups and host communities, particularly in
the Middle East. Professor Deborah Levison studies the
work—both labor force and “chores”—and schooling
of children in low-income countries.How is the Humphrey School preparing students to
navigate changes in the geopolitical landscape?
Students start with a rigorous foundation in policy
analysis, research methods, and professional skills,
adding courses addressing a range of global issues,
such as international trade, human rights, develop-
ment practice, and diplomacy. Students have access to
leading experts across the University of Minnesota and
can earn minors in international law, public health,
and human rights.
Our partnership with the Stimson Center in
Washington, DC, provides research and internship
opportunities on emerging issues in international
security, including through dedicated capstone projects.
Our faculty, experienced in diplomacy and politics,
teach students negotiation skills through courses in
diplomacy and a crisis exercise presented by the U.S.
Army War College.
After leaving the Humphrey School, alumni
are making an impact serving in senior positions
in agencies, such as the Department of State, the
Government Accountability Offi ce, and at NGOs.
Drawing upon the knowledge they gained and net-
works they built at the Humphrey School, recent
graduates have embarked upon careers in the U.S.
Foreign Service and with Minnesota-based foreign
consulates, at think tanks, such as the Atlantic
Council, and in leading international democracy-
building and human rights organizations.14 hhh.umn.edu | [email protected] | 612. 624. 3800
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