Panel discussion participants Christopher Everett, Alex Lassiter, Elizabeth Biser and Pablo Friedmann discuss how Tar Heels contribute to North Carolina during the 230th University Day celebration at Memorial Hall on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Thursday October 12, 2023. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)
UNC Master of Public Administration program alumna Elizabeth Biser participated as a panelist at 2023 University Day on October 12, 2023. This year’s University Day celebrated UNC’s 230-year-history and centered around the theme of “Service to Our State.”
Biser ’17 spoke on a panel with three fellow UNC alumni, discussing “Tar Heel Contributions to North Carolina.” The conversation was facilitated by UNC Study Body President Christopher L. Everett. Pablo Friedmann ’09, director of the Multilingual Resource Center for Durham Public Schools, and Alex Lassiter ’10, founder and CEO of GreenPlaces, spoke alongside Biser.
As secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Biser is charged with oversight of the agency, which protects the state’s environment and natural resources. Its programs seek to safeguard air, water, land, coastal fisheries, and the public’s health; the agency also offers technical assistance and encourages responsible behavior and respect toward the environment.
Biser spoke during the panel about the honor to work with and lead her colleagues in the effort to safeguard North Carolina’s environmental future.
“Getting a chance to lead the state agency whose mission is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians is an honor every day,” she said.
“I work with 1,600 folks across the state whose entire career is dedicated to making sure that we have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and that our environment is supporting our way of life.”
Biser credited her educational experience at the School of Government—and particularly the UNC MPA program—as vital in instilling the knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to lead the agency’s increasingly complex work.
“The lessons that I learned at the School Government definitely helped me every day in thinking about public service leadership, how to motivate a team that is dedicated to public service, that faces so many challenges, especially in an increasingly divisive world.”
Closing out the discussion, Biser spoke to the audience about the importance of lifelong learning, in public service or any other professional field.
“Learning does not stop once you graduate. To prepare for public service—and really to prepare for anything—it’s about not thinking that the last time you walk out that classroom that it’s over,” she said.
“The key to success is making sure you are growing as a person, you are growing your skillset, and you are learning from other fields and sectors around you.”
Biser imparted the audience with advice to succeed in truly making an impact in their work: have a continued desire to be curious, ask questions, learn from them, and grow.
“The people that I have seen be most successful have embodied that lifelong learner mentality and seek out opportunities to improve.”
Biser is a double graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, holding a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration. She has a strong background in environmental affairs. In addition to her work at Biser Strategies LLC, she served as vice president of policy and public affairs at The Recycling Partnership, government relations and policy director for Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP, and as director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs at the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (the predecessor of DEQ). Biser served on the School’s Foundation Board from 2019 to 2021.
Each year on Oct. 12, Carolina celebrates University Day, which marks the laying of the cornerstone of Old East — the campus’ first building and the oldest state university building in the nation. The day is a celebration of our mission as the country’s first public university and our service to North Carolina, the nation and the world through our teaching, research, and public service.
Watch the full recording of the University Day ceremony.
UNC MPA is coming to Austin, TX for the ICMA conference. 22 students along with a handful of faculty, staff, and alumni will be present. If you are in town for the conference, or just in town, come to Shiner’s Saloon on Monday, October 2nd from 4:30pm – 6:00pm to connect with us! Shiner’s Saloon is located at 422 Congress Ave. D. The program will provide light appetizers and one drink ticket per person.
UNC School of Government faculty member Margaret Henderson retired from her full-time position in September 2023 after more than 20 years of service to the University and the State of North Carolina.
“Margaret is a symbol of what the School of Government can and should be,” said Aimee Wall, dean of the School. “The caring, depth, honesty, and integrity she possesses are what we all strive to embody in our work. She is a true public servant, and it is difficult to imagine the School without her.”
Henderson’s career embodies the public service mission of the School and the University. Before she arrived at Carolina, she spent 20 years in human services, including work in state and local government and the nonprofit sector. These experiences included service as the executive director of the Orange County Rape Crisis Center.
An expert in facilitation and human services, Henderson leveraged her scholarship to work as a leading actor in the fight to protect vulnerable North Carolinians. In recent years, her workfocused onassisting local governments in their efforts toaddress and stem human trafficking and elder abuse. She lent herexpertise to countless organizations dedicated to this work, including the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission, NC Stop Human Trafficking, the University’s Project No Rest, and the School of Government’s Adult Protection Network.
In April 2023, her dedication to service was recognized by the University community as she received the Office of the Provost Engaged Scholarship Award for engaged research.
“I have spent 24 years collaborating with Margaret on projects and with clients,” said Lydian Altman, teaching assistant professor at the School. “In her quiet manner, she drops pearls of wisdom into almost every conversation. She offers the opportunity to see things differently and more holistically—how to appreciate and seek out the differences that enrich our work and add meaning to our lives.”
Henderson possesses a unique depth of knowledge on the practical challenges and opportunities of cross-organizational collaborations. She directed the Public Intersection Project, researching and communicating strategies to strengthen these relationships. Her scholarship, teaching, and facilitation helped governments, community programs, and nonprofit organizations bridge divides and generate more effective solutions to public problems.
A UNC MPA graduate, Henderson later taught in the program for more than 20 years. She has co-authored articles that appeared in Popular Government, ICMA’s IQ Report and PM Magazine, American Review of Public Administration, PA Times, and the FBI Law Enforcement Journal. Beyond published scholarly works, Henderson provided foundational resources for local governments. Most recently, these include sheets with basic facts about sex and labor trafficking, blog posts about recognizing trafficking indicators, and discussion guides for trafficking prevention strategies.
Henderson’s background in collaboration allowed her to identify new connections and pathways for local government cooperation in the fight against human trafficking. One such example is a bulletin generated by Henderson and colleague Kirk Boone, “Property Tax Officials Can Help Recognize Human Trafficking Indicators.”
Henderson’s influence can be seen across the state and in the halls of the Knapp-Sanders Building. A devoted colleague and friend, her collaboration and leadership fostered new connections and made the School a better place to work. Most recently, she served as a co-chair of the School’s Committee for an Inclusive Workplace.
The School of Government thanks Henderson for her dedicated service to clients, students, and the State of North Carolina and wishes her the best in retirement.
UNC MPA is excited to invite alumni and friends of the program to the Deil S. Wright Public Service Forum. This pilot event – a facilitated conversation with our speakers and the audience about the role philanthropy, non-profits, and governments play, or can play, in responding to issues and challenges those working in Public Service address every day – is designed to enhance the experience and better integrate subject matter with the simultaneous MPA Immersion course.
Taught by Dr. Teshanee Williams, this fall’s Immersion course will focus on Building Nonprofit & Government Capacity to Respond to Wicked Problems. Panelists for the forum include:
The MPA Immersion is an elective course that connects theoretical concepts to everyday practice in an in-person intensive three-day weekend delivery and offers opportunities for collaboration and professional networking. The Deil S. Wright Public Service Forum is part of the Immersion but is open to alumni and friends of the program.
The forum will carry on the tradition of honoring Professor Deil Wright for his 34 years of teaching, mentorship, and scholarship in the MPA program. It expands upon the Deil S. Wright Lecture in Public Administration, an event launched in 2002 that invited a distinguished professional from the field of public administration to enrich the educational experience of the MPA community.
The Forum will be followed by a reception for UNC MPA alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the program.
Click HERE to register
Note – please register EACH individual who intends to attend either the Forum and/or the Reception.
| The UNC School of Government Criminal Justice Innovation Lab (the Lab) invites you to our webinar: Reimagining Police Crisis Response.
In many communities, law enforcement officers are first responders to calls for service involving social issues like homelessness and mental health and substance use crises. In this free, 60-minute webinar participants will hear from law enforcement leaders and a behavioral health specialist about innovative alternative responder programs designed to reduce and improve law enforcement involvement in crisis calls. We’ll cover different program models, along with program benefits and challenges and implementation recommendations.
Although featuring North Carolina stakeholders, the content is relevant to communities nationwide.
Panelists include: Chief Reed Baer — Hickory, NC Police Department Chief Christopher Hatton — Sylva, NC Police Department Chief Celisa Lehew — Chapel Hill, NC Police Department Amy Griffith, Diversion Services Director – RHA Health Services, Burlington, NC
The webinar is part of the Alternative Responder Project, a partnership between the Lab and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police. For more information about the project or the webinar contact Hannah Turner. |
Over the past academic year, UNC MPA piloted the Student Professional Development Grant program. This initiative provides up to $250 to every student for professional development expenses such as conference attendance, professional meetings, workshops, or professional organization membership. This funding is in addition to program-sponsored professional development like registration for the North Carolina City and County Management Association Winter Seminar and School of Government courses.
During the pilot year, the program had nine students apply for and be awarded funds. Students used the funds for experiences ranging from leadership summits and registration costs, to travel expenses for conferences. To receive funding, students must apply for development opportunities, discuss how the experience fits with their professional goals with Allison Binkley, the Associate Director of Career Services & Professional Development, and then reflect upon the experience afterwards. The sponsored experiences provided tremendous value for the students and a few shared their thoughts on the experience:
“I was able to network and meet with alumni, learn about skills needed for MPA students, and attend coaching sessions with current managers.” – Shane Digan
“Prior to the conference, I knew almost nothing about the structure and behavior of a budget office. The conference sessions introduced me to concepts like zero-based budgeting and participatory budgeting. The sessions were helpful, but nothing compares to connecting with budget professionals from across the state.” – Scott Powell
“I attended presentations ranging from the Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, regional artists, and community development advocates, to public art funders. I also networked with arts administrators from across the South. Some of my takeaways include: grant processes for public art (specifically focusing on the story to be told with the art rather than the artists’ resume. Start with a letter of intent before accepting full proposals), considerations for equitable pay for guest artists from near and far, and how to engage communities who have been impacted or will be impacted. These takeaways were important to me as I consider foundation funding, leading proposal reviews, and equitably building community through the arts.” – Lauren Duncan ‘22
After a very successful pilot year, the MPA program is excited to continue to continue this initiative for a second year and encourage professional development relating to students’ unique interests.
Join MPA alumni, faculty, staff, friends of the program and their families at the School of Government to welcome the newest cohort to the program and kick off the academic year at the annual UNC MPA Alumni Kick-Off Picnic! This is a family friendly event with tasty food and great conversation!
UNC MPA student Melissa Cordell has recently launched the Women in NC Government, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Each month features a new profile of a remarkable woman in government making a positive impact on their community. Be sure to check it out! The first episode is with UNC MPA alumna, Cecily Hamilton who serves as the Strategic Initiatives Analyst for the City of Durham, NC!
Melissa started this project as good government is a passion of hers. She hopes this can lead to more innovations in government work, serve as an inspiration for professionals, and recognize amazing women in a wide range of public service roles in our state.
Melissa received her undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill in Women’s and Gender Studies and is a current UNC MPA student in the online format. She just started a new role with the Congressional & Public Affairs Staff in the Office of Public Affairs & Consumer Education for USDA-FSIS.
The UNC School of Government’s Master of Public Administration Class of 2023 gathered with faculty, family, friends, and staff on May 13 to celebrate their graduation from the program. The ceremony, held at the William and Ida Friday Center, honored 64 graduates, both in-person and online students.
Honoring graduates
UNC MPA Director Willow S. Jacobson and School of Government Dean Aimee N. Wall welcomed and congratulated graduates for their achievements.
Carl W. Stenberg, James E. Holshouser Jr. Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and Government, presented the Wright Research Paper Award, honoring the legacy of its namesake—former faculty member and public administration visionary Deil S. Wright.
Stenberg presented the 2023 honor to Ben Lasley for his applied research project on Exploring Criteria for Assessing Collaborative Practices and Performance. Following graduation, Lasley will continue his career as an Environmental Protection Specialist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Exploring what is meaningful
Peggy Merriss ’82, Executive Director for the Georgia City-County Management Association, served as keynote speaker and discussed the importance of graduates exploring what work will be purposeful and fulfilling to them.
“Think about what meaningful work is to you and why you want to do it so that you have a guiding principle and true north—because while there are plenty of days ahead of you, there will be some that are extremely challenging,” she remarked.
Merriss encouraged graduates to think beyond the basic and simple, to search for what is meaningful, and to commit to creating positive change.
She closed remarks by urging the public service leaders sitting before her to contribute to making this positive change for all community members they serve.
“It is incumbent [of them] to do it not just for some people, but for the most people in the most equitable, engaging, way.”
Student takeaways
Following the ceremony, graduates Danielle Badaki, Sherese Bonner, and Ben Lasley expressed what they will take away from the MPA program.
“This program has taught me the power of relationships, the ability to work across boundaries, and a passion for helping others,” said Lasley. “I’m incredibly thankful that I found a wonderful support system in our cohort—lifelong friends.”
Bonner, a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Commerce, shared her gratitude for the program laying the groundwork to build a successful public service career.
“This program taught me how to translate my passions into purpose. As a result of the exposure I received in public administration through my jobs, professional work experience, and coursework, I now have a more defined career path that will set me up for success in the future.”
Badaki, a client specialist for Fountainworks, reflected upon the strength of community within the program.
“The MPA program allowed me to cultivate relationships and build critical skills to become a public servant. Through this program, I was able to build a community that supported me short-term, in my education, and long-term, through my career.”
The School of Government and UNC MPA program extend their congratulations and warm wishes to all graduates of the Class of 2023.
It has been a minute but we’re coming back to host a D.C. Happy Hour Hub! Come network with other UNC MPA’ers (and perhaps a prospective student or two) and have a beverage and bite on us.
When: April 26th, 2023
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: Dacha Beer Garden, Washington D.C.
Registration is required. Please register HERE!