Akhlaque Haque, Ph.D.
Photography: Nik Layman
Akhlaque Haque, Ph.D., professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Political Science and Public Administration, was awarded the 2023 Donald C. Stone Service Award from the American Society for Public Administration’s National Council.
Haque was invited by the ASPA to receive the award at its 2023 annual conference, which will take place March 20-24. The Donald C. Stone Service Award was created to pay tribute to members who have made a substantial number of contributions to the society.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this prestigious award,” Haque said. “The award is named after the dedicated public servant Donald C. Stone, who committed his entire life to build the American Public Administration that we cherish today.”
Haque has been highlighted for his consistent dedication and significant efforts in reestablishing the Alabama Chapter, as well as his role in the formation of the South Asian Section for Public Administration.
“Since 1995, I have dedicated a good part of my career to serving the profession and my academic community through ASPA,” Haque said. “In 2016-17, I spearheaded the initiative to reorganize the ASPA chapters in Alabama to form the Alabama Chapter of ASPA. As the president of the ASPA Chapter, I brought the Southeastern Conference for Public Administration to Birmingham, attracting more than 240 academics and professionals to the Birmingham community. I have also continued to support the ASPA by sponsoring a new chapter for South Asian Public Administration.”
Founded in 1939, the ASPA is the largest and most distinguished professional association in American public administration. The ASPA is committed to the advancement of excellence in the public service arena and dedicated to the elevation of the public service profession.
The ASPA’s annual conference is considered the nation’s largest gathering of public service professionals and scholars. The conference hosts attendees consisting of government employees on the federal, state and local levels, as well as civil servants, scholars, professors and students from across the nation.