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.
- Public Service
- Research and Resources
- People
- Student Opportunities
- Events and News
SIGN UP FOR EMAILS
Interested in receiving updates from IPA on upcoming events, research, student, and alumni activities? Sign up to receive emails on the topics of your choosing.
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...
- Public Service Programs—Discover the range of our public service activities and request assistance for your community or agency.
- Resources—Review recent publications, search the Delaware Municipal Directory, and visit the Grant Funding Opportunities Portal.
- Student Opportunities—Learn about IPA's internship placements on and off campus.
- Staff and Student Bios—Get to know our IPA staff and student interns by reviewing our profiles.
- Alumni Spotlights—Read stories about our incredible alumni and how their time at IPA prepared them for their careers.
- Upcoming and Past Events—Sign up for future opportunities and view recordings of past training workshops.
- Support Our Mission—Advance the legacy of IPA's founding director by contributing to student scholarships and stipends through the Jerome Lewis Director's Fund in the Institute for Public Administration.
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
In Memoriam: Jerome R. Lewis
December 19, 2025 | Written by UDaily StaffFor over 50 years, Jerome Lewis, founding director of the Institute for Public Administration, helped build UD’s nationally recognized public affairs programs in the Biden School and advanced public service across Delaware.Introducing the 2026 Legislative Fellows
February 04, 2026 | Written by Sophonie MilordThe University of Delaware’s Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program celebrates 45 years with sixteen students from UD and Delaware State University who will work with the Delaware General Assembly through June 2026.UD's Center for Civics Education Partners on Statewide Literacy Initiative
January 22, 2026 | Written by Sophonie MilordThe Delaware Center for Civics Education will partner with the Delaware Department of Education on a federally funded project to integrate literacy instruction with civics and history.
UPCOMING EVENTS
student opportunities at IPA
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.
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 bydonating to the Jerome Lewis Director’s Fund today!
contact iPA
The Institute for Public Administration has three Delaware locations—its primary offices are inGraham 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.
FIRST STATE INSIGHTS Podcast
On IPA's podcastFirst State Insights, staff members explore diverse topics that impact Delawareans through interviews with experts in their fields.
Find First State Insights on SoundCloud,Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
CONNECT WITH IPA ON SOCIAL MEDIA
180A Graham HallUniversity of DelawareNewark, DE 19716 ipa@udel.edu Phone 302-831-8971 Fax 302-831-3488