Military Families and Veterans Begin MPA Journey Through Service to Service

by Katie Geith

The UNC Master of Public Administration program celebrates the kickoff of the first cohort of students to pursue their MPA degrees through “Service to Service”, a program connecting veterans and military families with education pathways and careers in public service. Launched in October 2024 by the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans, 12 schools were selected to be part of the program to recruit participants, provide networking opportunities and professional development, and facilitate job placement in state and local government upon graduation.

The UNC School of Government is uniquely positioned to set up the initiative for success. Nearly 15 percent of the School’s MPA student body are either active duty, veterans, or serving in the National Guard. Additionally, North Carolina has one of the largest military footprints in the United States, with over 89,000 active-duty personnel serving at bases across the state. With our mission of preparing public service leaders, our dedicated career services team, and 43 percent of our alumni network working in state or local government, the program is thrilled to be among the chosen schools for interested students. 

UNC MPA’s inaugural cohort includes 12 new students, the largest cohort of all the University partners. The national cohort includes 40 students including military service members, retired veterans, and military dependents/spouses. An orientation was held in mid-September at the Ohio State University to kick off programming. Students were able to meet with each other, hear from a panel of other service members who transitioned into state and local government careers, and receive guidance from academic advisors on ensuring a smooth transition into graduate school.   

Below, two participants in the program share their stories.

John Terziu

Why did you decide to join the Service to Service initiative?

Since retiring, my heart has been set on finding a way to keep serving, not just in theory, but in a way that lets me stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who share the same calling. Service to Service felt like the perfect opportunity to do exactly that: to be back among my brothers and sisters in arms, united by a common mission and a relentless drive to make a difference. This isn’t just a program for me; it’s a chance to live out my purpose again in the company of those who know what it means to sacrifice, lead, and serve.

What draws you toward a career in public service?
For me, the answer is simple: people. I believe deeply in helping people, lifting them up, solving their problems, and making their lives better. Public service gives me the chance to channel my energy and capabilities into something far bigger than myself. It’s about impact. It’s about using every ounce of energy I have to ensure that communities thrive, and people feel seen, heard, and valued.

What was orientation like in mid-September?
I walked into that room and immediately felt like I was surrounded by the highest caliber of people this world has to offer. Every single person was educated, driven, mission-focused, and deeply inspired. The air carried the weight of purpose. It reminded me of being back in uniform, where excellence was the standard and you could feel the energy of a team that refused to settle for less than greatness.

What are you most looking forward to during this experience?
The people, without question. To be surrounded by such highly intellectual, passionate individuals is an honor. But more than that, I look forward to being part of a team again that doesn’t allow differences to divide us. Instead, we embrace diversity as our strength. We come from different walks of life, with different beliefs and values, but at the end of the day, we are united by one thing: the mission. And when you bring that kind of unity and focus together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.

Erin Mathis

Why did you decide to join the Service to Service initiative?

I joined on a recommendation from Cara Robinson and Elizabeth Langefeld when I was first accepted to the UNC MPA program. Prior to that, I did not really know much about it.

What draws you toward a career in public service?
My experiences as a kid drive my interest in public service now. My father retired from an enlisted career in the Air Force when I was eight and did not work until I turned 16. My mother worked a minimum wage job. My mother suffered a debilitating injury at work, which left her permanently injured and unable to work. Due to the income reduction, my family qualified for free breakfast and lunch programs at school. I cannot overstate how much of a difference the free and reduced lunch program made for me. Now that I am older and in a very different situation financially, I want to play a role in ensuring that others are able to receive necessary assistance like I had.

What are you most looking forward to during this experience?
I am most looking forward to the opportunities to meet other people interested in public service who have different experiences than my own.