The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs

Downtown Knoxville wasn't just the classroom. It was part of the lesson.

Professor Bill Lyons led high school students in our Baker Future Leaders program on a walking tour exploring how policy, planning, and public investment shape thriving communities.

After a distinguished academic career, Lyons spent over 20 years with the City of Knoxville - Government, serving four mayors and helping lead downtown's transformation.

From Market Square to Knoxville Smokies' Covenant Health Park, students saw firsthand how leadership can shape a city's future.

Few people have shaped what it means to be a Tennessee statesman more than Senator Howard H. Baker Jr. and Senator Lamar Alexander.

We were proud to join Leadership Knoxville and the East Tennessee History Center in hosting Senator Alexander for a conversation on leadership, resilience, and public service.

Alexander began his remarks by reflecting on his time working for Senator Baker, whose mentorship helped shape his own approach to leadership and public service.

Congratulations to the 145 who earned Dean's List recognition.

Congratulations to our spring 2026 Dean's List students! We proudly celebrate their commitment to academic excellence. Read more: https://bit.ly/3RBpQ0N.

The future of public service starts here.

This week, high school students in the Baker Future Leaders Program are tackling policy challenges, exploring civic leadership, and experiencing life on Rocky Top.

Through hands-on learning and discussion, participants are gaining a deeper understanding of public affairs and the role they play in strengthening their communities.

Claire McCarthy got a firsthand look at how local government works with the Institute of American Civics' Local Government Interns program.

This year, she worked with the Town of Farragut, exploring how public policy decisions shape communities.

🔗 Read her story: https://bit.ly/3PnkBB6

NSFA Director Krista Wiegand and Assistant Professor David Arceneaux are leading University of Tennessee, Knoxville students in Japan through the Japan Ambassadors program, which offers an immersive academic experience focused on diplomacy, security, international affairs, and cultural exchange. 🇯🇵

During the trip, students are presenting policy briefings to the Asia Studies Detachment at Camp Zama, participating in a joint Indo-Pacific security course with students, and collaborating on solutions to a potential regional crisis scenario.

Along the way, they are also experiencing Japan's history, culture, and communities.

What helps citizens disagree productively?

New findings from the Institute of American Civics' annual TN Civics Survey suggest civic knowledge may be connected to greater political tolerance and stronger engagement across differences.

As Tennessee approaches America’s 250th anniversary, the results underscore an enduring challenge: preparing citizens not only to participate in democracy, but to navigate disagreement within it.
Learn more --

Institute of American Civics Survey Shows Ongoing Need for Civics Education Survey findings suggest that civic knowledge may play a role in fostering tolerance for opposing political views and strengthening civic discourse.

We closed the academic year celebrating excellence across the Baker School community through our inaugural Baker Awards program.

The awards recognized outstanding students, faculty, and staff whose achievements in academics, teaching, leadership, and service reflect the very best of the Baker School mission.

Congratulations to all those honored, and thank you for helping prepare the next generation of public problem solvers.

Read more about the honorees: https://bit.ly/4wQ0SuN