Welcome to the start of the 2024 – 2025 academic year! This is truly an exciting time at Princeton SPIA. Our students, faculty, and alumni continue to make the most of our space in Washington, D.C., bringing them right to the heart of the policy world. Locally, we are actively engaging through our SPIA in New Jersey initiative. On the international front, we are thrilled to welcome our most globally diverse class to the Princeton SPIA family. Over the past three years, we’ve made significant strides in Africa and Latin America and, this year, we will be focusing our efforts on Asia. The outstanding work emerging from our centers and programs, led by our world-class faculty, researchers, and practitioners – true pillars of scholarship and service – continues to influence policy from New Jersey to Washington, D.C, and across the globe. 

As we navigate these consequential times, we are reminded of the pressing challenges we face. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, wild weather because of climate change, and a pivotal presidential election just two months away are just a few of the issues that demand our attention. In the midst of these challenges, there is no better place to be than the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs – where we convene the brightest minds for the greatest good. 

Our mission is to educate students to become effective policymakers and to contribute to solving the most urgent issues of our time. These challenges are complex, and passions often run high. No matter where you stand, I urge you to always foster constructive dialog, mutual respect, and keep an open mind.

Best wishes for a wonderful year! 

Amaney Jamal
Dean