The Master’s in Applied American Politics and Policy (MAAPP) program at Florida State University will recognize its 25th anniversary with a series of events Oct. 3-5, celebrating the program’s role in shaping the next generation of political leaders across Florida and the United States.

The milestone events will honor the program’s non-partisan foundation, its distinguished history and the influential relationships that have empowered MAAPP to make a considerable and lasting impact as one of the most unique programs in the nation.

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the MAAPP program, it is a joy to honor the enduring impact this program has made on FSU’s students, Florida’s communities and the American democratic process,” said Dean Tim Chapin of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, which oversees MAAPP. “On behalf of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, I commend the faculty, alumni and students whose dedication and hard work have shaped this remarkable legacy, and I look forward to the next 25 years of innovation and impact.”

Since its inception, MAAPP has played a key role in Florida politics, serving as a vital pipeline for talent, training and leadership. The program was established after the 2000 Bush v. Gore election recount, a pivotal moment in American politics that thrust the state of Florida’s political dynamics into the national spotlight.

MAAPP distinguishes itself through a combination of academic rigor and practical experience, enabling students to engage directly with the field of politics. Established in 2000 by Professor Robert “Bob” Crew Jr. who served as director until 2020, MAAPP has since grown from a small, innovative idea into a nationally recognized Master of Science degree program.

“Housed in the world-class department of Political Science, the MAAPP program showcases the power of education, professional development and curiosity to educate the next generation of policy entrepreneurs, legislative staff, lobbyists and elected officials,” Chapin said. “The program produces graduates who are informed, engaged and committed to public service, able and willing to tackle the most critical issues of the day.”

Over the past 25 years, MAAPP has awarded more than 650 Master of Science degrees, providing students with vast networking opportunities across industries and party lines. The program’s mission remains focused on preparing students for successful, impactful careers while strengthening the political fabric of Florida and beyond.

“I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built — a program defined by the excellence of its faculty and the passion, purpose and talent of our students,” said Brad Kile, program director who joined the MAAPP faculty when the program was founded. “Our faculty bring both real-world experience and scholarly insight into the classroom, creating a rigorous learning environment. Our graduates are equipped with the professional skill set needed to solve complex political problems through critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.”

“The faculty pushed us to think critically, lead responsibly and stay grounded and focused on advancing pragmatic solutions. That foundation continues to guide me through my career.”

– Clay Ingram, FSU chief legislative affairs officer, former member of the Florida House of Representatives and MAAPP alumnus

MAAPP has played a crucial role in keeping Florida’s best talent in Tallahassee, fueling the state’s political economy and contributing to a thriving, professionalized industry. Graduates are key players in the lobbying, consulting and public affairs sectors, boosting the region’s reputation as a hub for political expertise. The program continues to shape careers and communities through leadership, mentorship and civic engagement.

“What I gained from the MAAPP program went far beyond theory — it introduced me to different ways of thinking about politics and policymaking,” said Clay Ingram, FSU chief legislative affairs officer, former member of the Florida House of Representatives and MAAPP alumnus. “The faculty pushed us to think critically, lead responsibly and stay grounded and focused on advancing pragmatic solutions. That foundation continues to guide me through my career.”

MAAPP’s alumni network is a testament to its balanced and bipartisan approach, with graduates leading at every level — from Tallahassee to Washington, D.C. and across the country.

Notable alumni include:

• Brian Welch, Leon County Commissioner
• Evan Power, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida
• Michelle Salzman, Member of the Florida House of Representatives
• John Formella, New Hampshire Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General
• Jordan Blumenthal, policy staffer in the Biden White House
• Harrison Fields, communications aide in the Trump White House

The post Across the aisle: FSU’s MAAPP program celebrates 25 years of shaping next generation of political leaders appeared first on Florida State University News.

Jason Puwalski arrived at Florida State University with a plan — a few of them actually.  

As a first-generation college student, from a family with a background in law enforcement, Puwalski is drawn toward the legal realm and figured a career as an attorney was his path. While that might still be the case, Puwalski’s list of possibilities has broadened to include a number of options, notably in politics.  

“When I first got to Florida State, I didn’t know much about lobbying or political consulting,” he said. “I didn’t realize how you can go into so many of these areas and own your own business and really vary your career.”  

Puwalski’s introduction to politics includes extensive work in FSU’s Student Government Association, where he held a number of positions including Executive Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs during his junior year. That experience came with a broad scope of responsibilities.  

“I managed a $15,000 budget, negotiated with student leaders and represented the interests of our 46,000-member student body before the state government,” Puwalski said. “I also planned and executed the most vibrant FSU Day at the Capitol since the pandemic.” 

“What I’ve realized is that you can plan too much and sometimes miss other opportunities that come your way,” he said. “At FSU there are so many opportunities.”    

Among his academic accomplishments at Florida State, Puwalski has maintained a 3.9 GPA, being named to either the President’s List or Dean’s List every semester. He completed the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, focusing his research on the history of women in the United States military.   

Most recently he was a finalist for a Truman Scholarship, one of only six students to be finalists from the state of Florida and the only one from a Florida university. The Truman is among the most coveted —and competitive— scholarships nationwide and Puwalski was among the final 199 students.  

“Even if I didn’t get that far in the process, it means a lot to me for a lot of reasons,” he said. “So many people at the university took an interest and helped me. They took time to do practice interviews with me, to write letters of recommendation or just give me encouragement. It means a lot to me to represent FSU.”  

You mentioned being a first-generation college student at FSU. What does that mean to you?

The people before you make sacrifices for you and you need to take advantage of that. You need to ensure their sacrifices weren’t for nothing and you need to do it for yourself; if you don’t no one is going to do it for you. I appreciate the investment FSU makes in first-generation college students like me.  

What can you tell us about your community work? 

Through my work in student government, I led delegations of student leaders from FSU and across the state to advocate for students’ interests at the state capitol. My expertise in this area was strengthened by my work as an employee at the Office of Governmental Relations at FSU, where I worked under the direction of FSU’s governmental relations team and President McCullough’s cabinet. I also helped to launch the inaugural FSU Legislative Internship Program, which provided scholarships and valuable internship experiences to 30 FSU undergraduate students. 

You’re a double major, any minors?  

I have completed minors in law enforcement intelligence and law and philosophy, as well as a certificate in United States intelligence studies. 

You’ll graduate spring 2024, what happens next? 

I was accepted into the Combined Pathways Program for the Masters of Applied American Politics and Policy. I will begin my master’s degree courses as I complete my senior undergraduate studies, and graduate with my master’s the year after. 

What’s it like to be a decision maker in SGA?  

Navigating student government in today’s highly politicized climate is no easy feat, especially considering my role as the chief government relations officer for the student body. However, I pledged to keep politics out of our decisions and appointed qualified individuals to my board of directors, undoubtedly crafting the most ideologically diverse entity in all of SGA. We set a legislative agenda that supported Name, Image, and Likeness legislation for college athletes, aimed to enhance mental health, strengthen campus safety, and support Bright Futures. 

The post Jason Puwalski appeared first on Florida State University News.