Korbel Faculty Earns Spot on Foreign Affairs Best Books of 2024 List
Dr. Suisheng Zhao, Professor and Director of the Center for China-U.S. Cooperation (CCUSC) at the Josef Korbel School, continues to receive widespread recognition for his book, The Dragon Roars Back: Transformational Leaders and Dynamics of Chinese Foreign Policy (Stanford University Press)....
From Chance to Change: A Career Studying Women’s Experiences in Conflict
Dr. Hilary Matfess, Assistant Professor and Director of Korbel’s International Security Degree, never planned to study gender and war. However, a series of unexpected obstacles early in her career forced her to rethink her approach and ignited a passion for uncovering overlooked narratives—one that continues to fuel her work today....
Korbel Professor Recognized by the University of Denver for Commitment to Classroom Accessibility
Korbel School Professor Rebecca Galemba embodies these values every day, and to mark this year’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), the University of Denver awarded her the GAAD Award for Accessible & Inclusive Classroom Experiences. This distinction highlights her outstanding efforts to ensure every student feels supported and empowered to succeed....
Carol Spahn, Former Peace Corps Director, to Join Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Denver
DENVER, CO — The Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Denver is proud to announce that Carol Spahn, former Director of the Peace Corps, will join its faculty in fall 2025 as the Rice Family Professor of the Practice of International and Public Affairs....
Making an Impact: How Korbel Student Bido Ibrahim Helps Shape Africa’s Future
After years of dedicated work in international development, Abdelrahman (Bido) Ibrahim was ready for something bigger. His M.A. in International Development became the next logical step—a move that opened doors for him to have a broader platform with even greater social impact. ...
Attending the Aspen Security Forum: Connecting Theory to Practice
From July 15–18, I had the privilege of representing the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs as part of a student delegation at the 2025 Aspen Security Forum. As the only university partnered with the Forum, Korbel’s presence stood out—we were proud to be the only students attending among a distinguished gathering of world leaders, policymakers, and experts in global security. ...
Bridging Worlds: How One Professor Weaves Urban Planning, Democracy, and Education
Dr. Chavez-Norgaard hosts a class trip to the History Colorado Center with undergraduates taking "PPOL 3701: Urban Politics."...
Brain drain or brain gain? New evidence points to benefits of skilled migration
High-skilled professionals from small or lower-income countries often emigrate in search of greater opportunities. For countries of origin, this population outflow can prompt concern over the loss of human capital– an effect that is colloquially known as “brain drain.” But a new review published in Science reveals evidence that high-skilled migration opportunities can also lead to “brain gain,” increasing, rather than decreasing, a country’s overall stock of educated workers. ...
Announcing Ken Roy as new Diplomat in Residence
The Ford School extends a warm welcome to Ken Roy, who will serve as the new Diplomat in Residence (DIR) for the North Central region. He will offer advice and guidance to students interested in exploring careers, internships, or fellowships with the U.S. Foreign and Civil Service....
Mental health and marriage timing
In a new study, Axinn investigates the dynamics between the social organization of families and parental mental health using data from over 10,000 individuals in the Chitwan Valley, Nepal. Setting his research in Nepal— with its near universal marriage and childbearing practices and pronounced gendered household roles—offered a context to examine the effects of both mothers’ and fathers’ depression on the children. ...
Amy Beck Harris helps students understand the “how” of international development
Before becoming an academic, Ford School Lecturer Amy Beck Harris worked in international development and foreign assistance implementation across Latin America with Chemonics International, the largest international development firm that implements foreign assistance programs, primarily for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Now, Harris is relying on her work experience and to give students at the Ford School a first-hand look into international development and participatory processes....
Camara emphasizes democracy in new collection dedicated to President Mohamed Bazoum
Ambassador Kamissa Camara, Ford School professor of practice in international diplomacy, has contributed to a newly released book, 25 Letters to President Mohamed Bazoum: Philosopher, Prisoner and Resistance Fighter. The book is a collective work advocating for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s president who has been held captive in his home since Niger’s military coup d’état that ousted him in July 2023....
