Photo illustration of a student taking water quality measurements, Troy Mix speaking at a podium, a female undergraduate researcher standing in Legislative Hall, and a student conducting policy research while sitting at a desk

WELCOME TO THE INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 

Established in 1973, IPA addresses the policy, planning, and management needs of its partners through the integration of applied research, professional development, and the education of tomorrow's leaders. IPA is a research and public service center in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration at the University of Delaware.

Photo of Troy Mix, Acting Director of IPA

A Message from the Director

Through our public service programs and experiential learning opportunities, the faculty, staff, and students at the Institute for Public Administration strive to develop public leaders while improving the quality of life for those in Delaware and beyond. Please browse our website to learn about IPA's...

Please contact me directly if you have any questions about IPA. I can be reached by phone at 302-831-8971 or by email at mix@udel.edu

—Troy Mix, Acting Director

Latest News from IPA
  • Portrait of Jen Reitz at 2025 Winter Freight Meeting

    IPA Planning Services Coordinator Moderates Winter Freight Meeting

    January 12, 2026 | Written by Sophonie Milord
    Jen Reitz, planning services coordinator at IPA, moderated the 2025 Winter Freight Meeting, connecting stakeholders on freight planning programs and current research across the state.
  • Delaware Center for Civics Education Leaders Present at National Conference

    January 12, 2026 | Written by Sophonie Milord
    DCCE leaders, Fran O'Malley and Scott Abbott served on a Council of State Social Studies Specialists (CS4) panel at the National Council for the Social Studies Conference in Washington, D.C.
  • DCCE Assistant Director Re-elected as Executive Secretary of CS4

    January 12, 2026 | Written by Sophonie Milord
    Scott Abbott, assistant director of DCCE, was reelected for a two-year term as executive secretary of the Council of State Social Studies Specialists and has also been selected to serve as the co-chair of the Foundations of the C3 Framework Taskforce convened by the National Council for the Social Studies.

UPCOMING EVENTS

student opportunities at IPA

Graduate and undergraduate students stand in professional business attire with John Carney, in the Governor's Office
Our Legislative Fellows, pictured here with Governor John Carney in his office at Legislative Hall, provide public policy research and staff standing committees of the Delaware General Assembly in our state capital, Dover.

IPA’s faculty and professional research staff collaborate with students—both graduate and undergraduate—in public service and applied research projects that make a difference in the lives of citizens in Delaware and beyond.

Our students put theory into practice by contributing to federal, state, and local government-sponsored research projects and programs.

A photo of Dr. Jerome Lewis and students from IPA.
Financial gifts and pledges provide IPA with the resources it needs to help shape students into tomorrow's leaders.

Making a Financial Pledge

In the fall of 2021, IPA established the Jerome Lewis Director’s Fund​. Your gift will continue IPA's mission by supporting:

  • Career development opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students

  • Research, training, and technical assistance programs for state and local governments

  • Forums for public, private, and nonprofit sector stakeholders to consider and envision the future for communities in Delaware and beyond

Honor IPA’s commitment to the education and development of public service leaders by donating to the Jerome Lewis Director’s Fund today!

contact iPA

The Institute for Public Administration has three Delaware locations—its primary offices are in Graham Hall and the DGS Annex on the University of Delaware's Newark (main) campus with a satellite location at the Lewes campus.

Newark Campus

IPA's primary office is located in Graham Hall.

  • Mailing address: 180 Graham Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716
  • GPS address: 111 Academy Street, Newark, DE, 19716
  • Phone: 302-831-8971
  • Fax: 302-831-3488
  • E-mail: ipa@udel.edu

IPA's Water Resources Center and planning team are located within the DGS Annex, at 261 Academy Street, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716.

Lewes Campus

IPA's Lewes office is located off Pilottown Road in the Pollution Ecology Lab on the Hugh R. Sharp campus of the University of Delaware.

University of Delaware's interactive campus map.

FIRST STATE INSIGHTS Podcast

On IPA's podcast First State Insights, staff members explore diverse topics that impact Delawareans through interviews with experts in their fields.

Find First State Insights on SoundCloud, Apple PodcastsSpotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

CONNECT WITH IPA ON SOCIAL MEDIA