Xavier Vallejo

Hometown: Tijeras, New Mexico

 Alma Mater: University of New Mexico (UNM), University of Queensland (UQ) Online

 Degree:

Bachelor of Science in Population Health, UNM

Professional Certificate in Macroeconomics, UQ

 Where were you before you joined the MPA program? Before joining the MPA program, I worked with the Western Governors’ Foundation, US Senators Martin Heinrich & Ben Ray Luján, the University of New Mexico, and several nonprofits. I was inspired to pursue a career in public service after a year-long independent sabbatical abroad, dedicated to studying international politics. After an extensive look at MPA programs across the US, I was drawn to the UNC MPA program and moved to Chapel Hill with aspirations to join the program.

 What are your areas of interest in the program? In the program, I’m excited for the Public Administration Analysis & Evaluation courses and Applied Research Problem courses. I hope to use these courses as opportunities to conduct original research with real impact. I’m also excited to learn about nonprofit management through elective courses. I’m currently working on a concept for a nonprofit and I hope to use the course to learn about next steps and get professional feedback from faculty.

 Why did you decide to get your MPA at UNC? I decided to get my MPA from UNC-Chapel Hill because of the program’s focus on practice and hands-on learning. I was excited to upskill and learn from the program’s distinguished faculty – many of which are respected practitioners with decades of experience in the public service sector. Since joining the program, I’ve been incredibly impressed and learned a lot from the other students, staff, and faculty. I’m proud to be a Tar Heel!