Master’s program set up at Dominican university

Patria de Lancer Julnes, professor at Utah State University, instituted a master’s program in policy and administration at the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) in the Dominican Republic to support government reform and enhance the professional stature of the public service.

In April 2004, Julnes received a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development. The grant was geared toward developing the administrative, managerial and operational capacity of UASD, the oldest and largest public university in the Dominican.

“I believe there is a lack of professionalism in the Dominican Republic government,” said Julnes. “I felt it was important for governmental employees of the country to receive training on ways to be more effective in public service.”

By developing the master’s program, Julnes hopes to promote partnerships between UASD and other government institutions, provide training to governmental officials and to prepare university faculty for new roles as policy analysts and as leaders in government reform.

The inaugural cohort of students, most employees of governmental agencies in the Dominican Republic, entered the master’s degree program and began coursework Jan. 31. Bill Furlong, professor in Utah State’s political science department, taught the first course, a seminar on the theory of the state and public administration. Professors from throughout the United States, Spain and Mexico will also teach courses in the new program. 

Julnes is originally from the Dominican Republic, and her father was a professor at UASD. “I feel that this was an opportunity to give back to my country,” said Julnes.

For further information, contact Patria de Lancer Julnes at 435-797-3889.