Ethics and Excellence in Public Service Conference Held

The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service held its inaugural conference on campus in April. Craig Wheeland, Ph.D., the senior vice provost for academics, and professor of public administration at Villanova University, served as keynote speaker. In addition, panelists discussed current political topics including the ethics of legislative pay and per diems, the best grant writing practices, the ethics boards and codes of local governments. University students Clara Downey, Easthampton, Massachusetts; Ana Rahman, Pearl River, New York; and Conor Nealon, Duryea; presented on ways to increase voting among young adults.

The Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) was instituted in the fall of 2021. Programs offered seek to develop ethical and capable public officials in Northeastern Pennsylvania in order to govern in ways that are just and effective for all community members. CEEPS also hopes to develop an engaged and civically informed community through education, training and public service opportunities. JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, and Jean Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science, serve as co-directors of CEEPS.

Pictured below, from left, are: Megan J. Schurra, Easton, University student intern for CEEPS; JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and CEEPS co-director; Craig Wheeland, Ph.D., keynote speaker, senior vice provost for academics and professor of public administration, Villanova University; Jean Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science and CEEPS co-director; and Caroline Ries, Tunkhannock, University student intern for CEEPS.