The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs

The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs Be Part of the Solution. Sound policy. Thoughtful leadership. Informed citizens. The Howard H. Baker Jr. In the spirit of Sen.

Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan public policy center located on the campus of the University of Tennessee. The Center's mission is to advance the legacy of the late Sen. Howard Baker by providing critical insights on domestic and international challenges through interdisciplinary research, experiential education, and policy engagement. Senator Baker, sometimes referred to as “The Great Conciliator,” had the ability to cross party lines, listen, and legislate solutions to difficult issues. His efforts resulted in landmark legislation, such as the Panama Canal Treaty, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and much more. Baker’s work, the Center offers a number of public lectures and programs within its three focus areas: Energy & Environment, Global Security & Trade, and Leadership & Governance. The Center also maintains an active and engaged student program with options to join the Baker Center Living Learning Community, Baker Ambassadors and Baker Scholars.

09/17/2026

Baker prepared. Washington ready.

Hear what Public Affairs major Ava Foley took away from her summer internship in the personal office of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama and why she believes internships are an important part of preparing for life after college.

📅  Constitution Day | September 17What connects the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Addr...
09/16/2026

📅 Constitution Day | September 17

What connects the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address?

The Institute of American Civics welcomes historian and author Allen C. Guelzo for a Constitution Day conversation exploring how the Declaration's promise of equality shaped Lincoln's understanding of the Civil War and the American experiment.

🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4qZxDDa

Vols Vote. Make sure you’re ready!Today is National Voter Registration Day. Take a few minutes to register, update your ...
09/15/2026

Vols Vote. Make sure you’re ready!

Today is National Voter Registration Day. Take a few minutes to register, update your information or check your voter registration status.

🔗 https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/

Space is emerging as a critical arena for national security and global competition.As the United States works to protect...
09/14/2026

Space is emerging as a critical arena for national security and global competition.

As the United States works to protect its capabilities in space, new technologies, strategic competition and evolving threats are creating both opportunities and risks.

Join the Baker School for a conversation with Lt. Col. Kassandra Miller, cross-functional lead for the Office of the Secretary of War’s office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE).

📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕠 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Toyota Auditorium | Baker School

We have a busy week at Baker. Here’s what’s happening.
09/14/2026

We have a busy week at Baker. Here’s what’s happening.

🎓 Applications are open! Be Part of the Solution.The Baker School now offers two undergraduate majors:• Public Affairs• ...
09/10/2026

🎓 Applications are open! Be Part of the Solution.

The Baker School now offers two undergraduate majors:
• Public Affairs
• Civic and Constitutional Thought

Ready to become a Baker Vol? Select one of these programs as your first-choice major when you apply to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

📅 Nov. 1 | Early Action Submission Deadline
📅 Jan. 5 | Regular Decision Submission Deadline
📅 May 1 | Confirmation Deadline

Apply at apply.utk.edu.

Meet Catie Padilla, a senior Public Affairs major and Baker Scholar.Her Baker experience has included the Tocqueville Sc...
09/08/2026

Meet Catie Padilla, a senior Public Affairs major and Baker Scholar.

Her Baker experience has included the Tocqueville Scholars program, undergraduate research, peer mentorship, and an internship with the City of Knoxville - Government.

This year, she's taking on faculty-mentored research while preparing for what comes next: law school.

Read Catie’s full story ➡️ https://bit.ly/4xbHyHg

📅 Here’s what’s happening this week at the Baker School.
09/06/2026

📅 Here’s what’s happening this week at the Baker School.

It’s football time in Tennessee. 🍊Howard H. Baker Jr. captured this game-day scene in 1981, with The University of Tenne...
09/05/2026

It’s football time in Tennessee. 🍊

Howard H. Baker Jr. captured this game-day scene in 1981, with The University of Tennessee Bands - Pride of the Southland Band leading the way.

The year may change. The tradition never does. Go Vols!
Tennessee Football

How do the assumptions behind an economic analysis shape the policy decisions that follow?New research published in Scie...
09/04/2026

How do the assumptions behind an economic analysis shape the policy decisions that follow?

New research published in Science, co-authored by Baker School economist Ben Leard, examines the economic analysis behind federal vehicle emissions standards.

The researchers explore how different assumptions about consumer behavior and fuel savings can substantially change estimates of a policy’s costs and benefits, demonstrating the important role research plays in testing evidence that informs public policy.

Read the study:

Correction of selective assumptions and inconsistent interpretations of evidence would overturn policy justification

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1640 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN
37996

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