A New Chapter for IPPRA

We are excited to announce that Dr. Joe Ripberger has been appointed Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (IPPRA) . After serving for many years as Deputy Director for Research and, most recently, as Interim Director, Joe assumes this role with a deep commitment to IPPRA’s mission of producing rigorous, policy-relevant research that serves Oklahoma, the nation, and communities around the world.

Joe succeeds our longtime Director, Dr. Hank Jenkins-Smith, who has transitioned to emeritus status after decades of exceptional leadership. At the same time, Dr. Carol Silva, who co-founded IPPRA alongside Hank, has stepped down from her role as Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Partnerships. Fortunately for IPPRA and the OU community, both Hank and Carol will continue to work with us on select projects in the years ahead.

Hank and Carol’s vision and leadership helped shape IPPRA into the organization it is today. Their commitment to rigorous, policy-relevant research, interdisciplinary collaboration, student mentorship, and the advancement of policy process theory has left a lasting mark on our institute, our students, and our partners. Beyond their many professional accomplishments, they fostered a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and public service that continues to define IPPRA. We are deeply grateful for their years of leadership, service, mentorship, and friendship, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside them in their new roles.

While this marks the close of an important chapter in IPPRA’s history, it also opens an exciting new one. Building on the strong foundation established by Hank, Carol, and the many faculty, staff, students, and partners who have contributed to IPPRA’s success, we remain committed to advancing interdisciplinary research that informs public policy, strengthens communities, and prepares the next generation of scholars and practitioners.

As we begin this next chapter, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue expanding IPPRA’s research portfolio , strengthening partnerships across the university and beyond, supporting our students , and delivering research that helps decision-makers address society’s most pressing challenges. We are grateful to everyone who has been part of IPPRA’s journey and look forward to building the institute’s future together.