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The Martin School of Public Policy and Administration is a comprehensive school of policy and administration, offering degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level, as well as graduate certificates. Excelling in research, education and public service, it provides an innovative environment reflective of commitment, strategic thinking and integrity. Beginning in 1976 with the creation of the Master of Public Administration program, the Martin School has earned national recognition, growing from a single master's program to a comprehensive school. It prepares graduates for a variety of public service careers including those in local, state or federal government, nonprofit agencies, and advocacy organizations, as well as for advanced studies in fields such as law, public policy, management, and public finance. The addition of the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy further extends the school's mission to develop the next generation of public servants and policy leaders from the earliest stages of their academic careers. The Martin School's public financial management and budgeting specialization ranks 4th in the country, and the school ranks 27th in the country overall, in the latest U.S. News and World Report ranking of public affairs programs.

Headshot of Spiro

Spiro Maroulis Director, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration

Our History

Learn more about the origin of the institution.

Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame

The Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame was established in 2012 by the University of Kentucky's Martin School of Public Policy and Administration to recognize leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary public service to their communities and state.

Meet the Board of Visitors

Our Board of Visitors connects our students to the greater public policy community. They also very generously provide their time, guidance, and support for our most important events including the Alumni and Friends Banquet where we honor our Distinguished Alumni and induct Kentucky greats into the Public Service Hall of Fame. They are the driving force behind the Wendell H. Ford Lecture every year. 

William E. Lyons Award for Outstanding Service

This award was given annually to an individual associated with the university who has given outstanding service to the University of Kentucky, the community, or the Commonwealth. It is named in honor of Dr. William E. Lyons (1935-1994), Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, Director of the Martin School, Chair of the Political Science Department, Chair of the Lexington-Fayette County Merger Commission, member of the Urban County Council, and chair or member of various other university and government committees.

1995 - Gilbert Friedell

1996 - Carolyn S. Bratt

1997 - Joseph P. Straley

1998 - Ronald D. Eller

1999 - Donald C. Haney

2000 - Lauretta F. Byars

2001 - Daniel R. Reedy

2002 - Thomas S. Foster

2003 - Jack C. Blanton

2004 - Wimberly C. Royster

2005 - Penny M. Miller

2006 - Ellen K. Hahn

2007 - Joseph L. Fink, III

2008 - Merl Hackbart

2009 - Hatim Omar

2010 - Ernest Yanarella

2011 - Patrick P. Deluca 

2012 - TK Logan and Carol Jordan

2013 - M. Scott Smith

2014 - Kenneth R. Troske

2015 - Eugenia F. Toma

2016 - Allison Connelly

2017 - D. Stephen Voss

2018 - Paul Eakin

2019 - Anne-Frances Miller

2020 - Bill and Mary Witt