University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is one of 17 schools comprising the University of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1957 to study national and international public administration, GSPIA prides itself on its "Local to Global" distinction. As of 2015, it is one of only two policy schools with programs in the top 20 for both International Relations and City Management and Urban Policy . The current mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, is a GSPIA alumnus.GSPIA is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, and is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs . The school is located in Wesley W. Posvar Hall on the University of Pittsburgh campus in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. In July 2007, John T. S. Keeler took over as dean, replacing Carolyn Ban, who resigned in August 2006.HistoryIn 1957, GSPIA was founded by Donald C. Stone in an effort to promote the study of national and international public administration, and to recognize the growing significance of public policy in the global context, and was soon after noted for its breadth and scope. Stone's philosophy included promoting the notion of "citizenship" and encouraged his colleagues, students, and friends to make government better, to make administrations more effective, and to provide responsible leadership and stewardship for future generations. Stone's public service career included developing procedures for the Civil Works Administration and planning and implementing the Works Progress Administration. He helped draft the United Nations Charter and his efforts were instrumental in the success of the Marshall Plan in rebuilding Europe after the Second World War.