Introduction from the Dean
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies had another productive year in 2002. The number of students choosing majors in our College increased by 23 percent, and our overall credit hours grew by 18 percent (the largest increase in the University for the 4th year in a row). In total, we saw about 4000 students this year. Nine Ph.D.s finished in economics and human resource development.

About 250 papers and books were published or accepted in 2002, in many of the best journals in the respective fields. We edit or co-edit eight journals, and this year refereed for over 120 others. Faculty and research associates made 180 presentations at professional meetings, in special symposia and as invited lectures. During 2002, we worked on externally funded projects that totaled about $41 million.

Our research had real world policy applications. We are heavily involved in helping find solutions for rural health care delivery problems, not just in Georgia but across the country. We are supporting the state in evaluating pre-K programs, with policy analysis of environmental problems, in helping establish the parameters for a policy in long-term health care, with learning needs of state and community rehabilitation organizations, and with continuing advice on fiscal reform.

The Andrew Young School is global in its mission. Graduate students come from 33 countries, and our faculty worked in 30 countries this year. With the College of Business we operate the Ron Brown Institute in South Africa; we continue to host a masters degree program in economics with 20 Indonesian students; a new field project is underway in Tanzania; and we run a summer training program with the World Bank.

We are involved in our state and our community. Research Atlanta Inc. continues its good work from its home in the Andrew Young School, and the Regional Leadership Foundation will move into our college this year. We operate a joint study abroad program with Morehouse College, co-hosted a joint seminar on technology policy with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and have a collaborative natural resource program with Albany State University.

Our newest programs are moving ahead. The child policy research program is well underway, and the program has been supporting the State Government. The not-for-profit program is becoming well established in the community, and its research and teaching achievements continue to impress.

I think 2002 was a good one, and 2003 will be even better.