Summer was a busy time for the College of Leadership & Public Service . In July, 15 graduate students, faculty and guests studied advanced sustainability in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. A stop was added to include the first in the world, German Passive House Institute, core and shell certified skyscraper at Winthrop Center in downtown Boston. At 830,000 square feet, the building cost $1.3 billion at only 2% more cost to reduce normal Class A office energy use by 150% and to use 60% less energy than existing LEED Platinum skyscrapers.
Also in July 13 leaders from across Tennessee who form the 2023-24 Regional Scholars cohort met for the last time before graduation to present their Capstone policy prescriptions. Their research delved into crucial subjects like foster care, literacy, and mental and physical health. Their degrees will be conferred this month, and they will celebrate their completion at the December Commencement.
In August, the college welcomed new and returning students for the start of a new school year. Law, Justice, and Society students were welcomed back to class on Aug. 20 with donuts, balloons and a photo opportunity on the first day. This has become a beloved tradition in the department. Students also had Moot Court Team Tryouts. Later in the week, the School of Public Policy had its first weekend of classes with the newest Master of Public Administration and Leadership & Public Service cohorts. The MLPS 2024-25 cohort is the second-largest group of Regional Scholars in the program's history!
Highlights of other activities this semester include:
September: Mock Trial Team Tryouts, law school fair
October: The Institute for Conflict Management is hosting an alumni panel focusing on "Conflict Management Tools in Every Profession." Alumni representing government, ministry, nonprofit and secondary education sectors will gather to share how a graduate degree in conflict management has positively impacted their career path and approach to their everyday work habits, Rule 31 civil mediation training. Other activities include an LJS student interest meeting and a department meeting for all LJS majors and minors.
November: Don R. Elliott Distinguished Presidential Lecture featuring New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath, Rule 31 family mediation training, Rule 31 family to civil crossover training, Moot Court team competes at DC Regional at Georgetown University, LJS Introduction to American Law class travels to Washington, D.C.
December: LJS senior research presentations
