Javier Limon, 2026

Meet Current Javier Limon: Student by Day, Tar Heel Fan for Life

Originally from Northern Indiana, Javier moved to North Carolina over a decade ago. He completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science at East Carolina University (ECU) before transitioning directly into graduate school. The move from Indiana to North Carolina was initially a culture shock, but over time, Javier fell in love with his new home, forming strong ties through education and community involvement.

While initially considering a Master of Public Policy (MPP), Javier was drawn to the leadership and generalist approach of the MPA. Attending an admissions session at UNC and working alongside MPA alumni at ECU solidified his decision.

“I was drawn to the leadership and generalist aspect of the MPA program,” he explains. “I’m someone who has a lot of professional interest and I like that the MPA did not box me into one specific pathway.”

Javier’s decision to join UNC’s MPA program was heavily influenced by the strong alumni network. As ECU’s Student Body President, he worked closely with university leaders who were UNC MPA graduates, admiring their leadership and dedication to public service.

Another deciding factor? “My roommate sat me down for the 2022 March Madness run, when North Carolina was in the championship and from there I knew I had to go to UNC” he laughs.

Javier’s leadership experience is impressive. As ECU’s Student Body President, he secured the highest number of votes in the school’s history. His role involved overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget, engaging in higher education and health policy initiatives, and serving on the university’s Board of Trustees.

“It was like running a full-time job while being a full-time student,” he recalls.

Currently, he serves as the Chief of Staff for the Association of Student Governments in North Carolina, coordinating statewide student government initiatives and will soon transition into role of President, serving on the UNC System’s Board of Governors. Balancing these commitments with graduate studies requires prioritization, adaptability, and a strong passion for public service.

Javier has found his coursework in Budgeting and Finance particularly valuable.

“As someone interested in federal government, I see how responsible budgeting impacts all levels of government,” he says.

His passion for budgeting stems from his internships at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and North Carolina’s Office of State Budget and Management. He recently decided to concentrate on public policy within the MPA program, blending his interests in policy development and administration.

Despite his packed schedule, Javier prioritizes personal interests. A longtime reader, he has made an effort to return to reading, aiming for one book per semester. He is also a devoted college sports fan, passionately supporting the Tar Heels and spends time with friends, including his former ECU undergraduate roommate, now a fellow Tar Heel pursuing an MPH at UNC.

For those considering UNC’s MPA program, Javier highlights the program’s strong sense of community and its ability to push students to grow.

“If you want a program that cares about you and challenges you to be the best version of yourself, UNC’s MPA program is the right place to be,” he shares. “You get to show up every day with a group of people all interested in making this world a better place.”