Welcome to the Department of Public Affairs!
Department Chair: David O. Renz, Ph.D.
Beth K. Smith/Missouri Chair in Nonprofit Leadership
Director, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership
816-235-2342
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Barb Domke
Administrative Assistant
310 Bloch
816-235-2894
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Whether in government, health care or the nonprofit sector – public administration is one of the highest callings that any student can pursue. Congratulations on exploring a career of service and significance. Whether you’re the mid-career adult looking for a career change or a new graduate who’s ready for the next stage in professional development, UMKC’s Department of Public Affairs has the program and faculty to help you.
Our programs are accredited by NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) and our nonprofit management emphasis is ranked among the top 15 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Public Affairs Faculty
David O. Renz, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Chair, Department of Public Affairs
Beth K. Smith/Missouri Chair in Nonprofit Leadership
Director, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership
Academic Specialty: Nonprofit management and leadership
Arif Ahmed, BDS, Ph.D., MSPH, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Associate Professor in Health Administration
Academic Specialty: Health services administration
Jered B. Carr, Ph.D., Florida State University
Associate Professor
Victor & Caroline Schutte/Missouri Endowed Professorship in Urban Affairs
Director, L.P. Cookingham Institute for Urban Affairs
Scott Helm, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Director, Executive M.P.A.
Lecturer, Public Affairs
Brent Never, Ph.D, Indiana University
Assistant Professor, Public Administration
Academic Specialty: Nonprofit management, organization theory
Nicholas C. Peroff, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor of Public Administration
Academic Specialty: Public administration; interdisciplinary Ph.D. program coordinator
Affiliated Instructors
Fredrik O. Andersson, Ph.D.
Doctoral Fellow
Gary Baker, Ph.D.
Adjunct Lecturer
Jamie A. Berry, M.B.A.
Lecturer
Peggy Dunn
Lecturer
Jane Lampo
Lecturer
Cynthia (Cindy) Laufer, M.P.A.
Lecturer
Jessica Mattingly, M.Ed.
Doctoral Fellow
Erin K. Nemenoff
Doctoral Fellow
Sandra E. Price
Teaching Fellow
James C. Scott
Adjunct Professor
Robyne S. Turner, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor
Thomas M. Vansaghi
Adjunct Professor
Daniel Wildcat
Adjunct Professor
Retired
Robert D. Herman, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Academic Specialty: Nonprofit management, organizational behavior, strategic human resources
*The GRE is no longer required for those who hold a 3.5 or better undergraduate GPA.
