Jacksonville University celebrated longtime supporter Preston Haskell last month, during which it was announced that the JU Public Policy Institute would henceforth be known as the Haskell Public Policy Institute.
The naming announcement occurred at a surprise reception at the JU College of Law on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The evening also recognized Haskell’s transformational $12 million support, which “will help shape the future of academic excellence, community impact and unprecedented opportunities for JU students.”
“I’m so grateful and appreciative for the Haskell name to be associated with the Public Policy Institute because that’s the standard for our students to look to as a role model,” said Rick Mullaney, executive director of the Public Policy Institute and Robert T. Shircliff Chair in Public Policy. “There’s a hunger for role models and knowing what excellence looks like. Preston Haskell stands for excellence; he is the embodiment of what this Public Policy Institute is all about.”
Haskell is a founding member of the Public Policy Institute Board of Advisors. In 2013, the institute established the first master’s degree program in public policy in the state, as well as the state’s first MPP-JD, MPP-Marine Science, and MPP-MBA degree programs. In 2019, Haskell played a vital role in establishing the Robert T. Shircliff Endowed Chair in Public Policy, solidifying continued institutional support for the executive director position.
“I believe in the mission of the Public Policy Institute–to foster civil dialogue and prepare the next generation of public servants,” said Haskell. “At a time when our country needs principled leaders who can bridge divides, this institute is doing essential work. I’m thankful to everyone who has built this program, and I’m confident these students will make meaningful contributions to Jacksonville and beyond.”
