Public Service at MSU Denver

The Institute for Public Service is committed to Inspiring, Preparing, and Enabling Roadrunners to Serve with an emphasis on careers in government and the non-profit sector.

MSU Denver is absorbing the activities, resources, and professional network efforts that were incubated in the Hart Center for Public Service to form the new “MSU Denver Institute for Public Service.” The Institute engages and prepares students from all disciplines to pursue a life of service to their communities. Through concierge career development, innovative experiential learning opportunities, and pioneering curricular programs, the Institute for Public Service is the hub for civic engagement as we inspire the next generation to face uncommon challenges.

Six students walk across campus.

 

Why Public Service?

Making a difference; being part of something that is larger than one’s self; upholding the principles and practices of a free and engaged citizenry: these are but a few doctrines that underlie the human motivation to serve. Public servants and their leaders are responsible for the development and maintenance of our society’s and nation’s policies, processes, and systems within the public, private, non-profit, and government spheres.

Most American systems and institutions (historically and currently) lack diverse and representative voices. MSU Denver students ARE the new generation of talented individuals providing narratives reflective of our countries underserved and historically minoritized populations.

MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

Since becoming president in 2017, Janine Davidson, Ph.D. has championed the role that the University plays in developing the next generation of public servants.

For Davidson, the task is personal. She began her career as an Air Force officer and military cargo pilot and served as undersecretary of the U.S. Navy under President Barack Obama. Davidson also served as a presidentially appointed commissioner for the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service, which made recommendations to Congress and the president on how to inspire more Americans to serve.

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

Find Your Pathway to Public Service

Online student studying outside Denver capitol

Programs

Inspire then empower this diverse student body to engage in public service and become the public service leaders of tomorrow.

Learn more about our programs
first gen students at the capital

Events

Participants in our events have an opportunity to: be inspired, be a leader, be educated.

Learn more about our events
Helena Erbe Internship 2

Internship Program

Help a student find their path to public service.

Learn more about our internship program

Support the Institute for Public Service

Your gift allows us to inspire and prepare the next generation of Changemakers through innovative programs in support of democracy and civil society.

Invest in Changemakers

Anchor Institution for Public Service

More than any other Colorado institution of higher education, MSU Denver students represent the next generation of Colorado’s workforce, changemakers, public servants, and leaders. Our diverse student body (50% students of color, 58% first-generation college students, 80% working adults, and 95% from Colorado) has the ability to learn while managing real world challenges in their own lives, making them uniquely qualified to pursue careers in public service, addressing the pressing needs of their communities and our Colorado citizens.

 

Anchor Institution for Public Service by CLAS

Institute for Public Service

Contact Us

For questions or more information

Contact:

Shaun LaBarre, Director, Institute for Public Service

Phone:
303-605-7131

Email:
[email protected]

Campus Location:

King Center 484

Mailing Address:

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 37
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362