Explores the history and evolution of the "Wisconsin idea," a commitment by this university to provide direct benefits to its commonwealth. Discusses the idea's origins from 1874 to 1914, "going national" from 1914 to 1956, the post-World War II transition, and current, varied linkages with state agencies, private companies,…

Describes the Institute of Government, a hybrid unit that successfully straddles the academic fault line between public service and traditional scholarship. Discusses its mission, major areas of work and successful programs, organization and funding, and future directions in funding, faculty fields of expertise, civic education, and local…

Established in 1994 at the University of Florida, the Reubin O'Donovan Askew Institute on Politics and Society has focused its energies on reinvigorating civic culture and revitalizing community building in Florida. This article discusses civic culture in Florida, Florida's evolution in the twentieth century, development of the institute, and its…

The public service research program at the University of California, Davis, a model linking university resources with those of public agencies in the interest of public service, is described. Collaborative research is seen as an effective form of public service, profitable to both university and government. (MLW)

Describes the John W. McCormack Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, including: (1) origins; (2) organization and operation; (3) impact (independent analysis, education/training of public servants, publishing, convening and catalyzing, developing mechanisms to modernize state government, empowering new…

Describes the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Addresses financing, policy making as institutional design, the institutional design perspective at the institute, scope and range of activities, decision-making about programs, and activities (including Sasakawa Global 2000 Program in Sub-Saharan Africa…

Describes the early years, shift toward greater autonomy, and current structure and roles of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, a public policy research institute of State University of New York. Founded to facilitate relationships between the university system and state government, it has emerged as a more autonomous research…

Outlines origins and outreach efforts of the federal National Resource Centers (NRCs) for Foreign Language and Area Studies, and describes the University of New Mexico's Latin American Institute. Activities include outreach to elementary/secondary schools, outreach with federal/state/local agencies, information services to…