In 1973 the Center for Public Management was founded with a grant from the New England Regional Commission. Originally the Center planned to operate graduate and undergraduate programs in public administration and management along with conducting research studies and to provide technical assistance to public service endeavors. 

In the present day, the Center focuses its efforts on research and community public services.  The Center is the umbrella under which the Department’s various research and evaluation projects, technical support activities, and community education endeavors operate.