In Memoriam: Jerome R. Lewis

Jerome Lewis, founder of the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration (IPA) and long-time dedicated Delaware public servant, died on Dec. 13, 2025. He was 86.

Over the course of his 56 years at the University, Dr. Lewis mentored thousands of students and worked with countless government officials throughout the state, resulting in a major impact on the quality of life for all Delawareans.

In 1973, four years after Dr. Lewis joined the UD faculty, he founded what is now the Institute for Public Administration, a public service unit within the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration that has had a major impact within Delaware and the surrounding region.

During his tenure at the University, Dr. Lewis:

• Created and led the Institute for Public Administration for more than half a century, delivering a new model of University public service that addressed the changing needs of the state;
• Served as the founding director of the Master of Public Administration program and an architect of The Delaware Model of public affairs education, which generated national recognition and acclaim for the Biden School; and
• Forged partnerships with Delaware government at all levels, increasing the capacity of the Delaware General Assembly, supporting the work of state agencies and helping local governments to deliver services that improved the quality of life in communities across the First State.