Nina Harris, associate dean of the School of Public Policy, was honored with the President’s Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional performance, leadership and service to the university. Harris will receive the award at the Faculty & Staff Convocation on September 18. Over her 25 years with the university, Harris has strengthened the School’s academic programs and played a key role in advancing its overall growth. Her contributions demonstrate that dedication and leadership are essential to building a thriving educational environment.
This award recognizes Harris’s dedication and lasting impact on the School. “It’s very humbling to know that others think highly enough of my work and my character to nominate me,” she reflected. She emphasized the importance of building personal and professional relationships, which have been the foundation of her success.
Harris’s career has been marked by her dedication to leadership development and academic excellence, particularly through programs she strongly supports, like the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program and the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy. She views these initiatives as her “legacy programs,” each playing a significant role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.
The Rawlings Program, launched in 2006, honors the late Howard “Pete” Rawlings and focuses on developing leaders with integrity and a commitment to social justice. “There are 18 cohorts of Rawlings alumni out there in the world doing really good work,” Harris proudly stated. The program’s success is evident in its alumni’s continued impact on their communities, exemplifying the program’s foundational principles.
Similarly, the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy program, launched in 2017, marked an exciting new evolution in the School’s educational offerings. “18 to 22-year-olds bring a different perspective and energy to the classroom. … They are curious and passionate about just about everything and really do embrace wanting to change the world,” Harris explained, highlighting the dynamic atmosphere the undergraduate program has brought to the School.
Looking ahead, Harris believes that leadership programs must grow to meet the needs of students in a rapidly changing world. She stresses the importance of teaching leadership concepts before students reach higher education, preparing them to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society. “Leadership educators need to position themselves to assist with navigating all of this early and often,” she advised.
As she continues her work, Harris remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity within the university, ensuring that the programs she has built continue to succeed and empower future generations of leaders.
