This is Us! Meet UNC MPA Recent Graduates

At the May 2026 commencement, we had the chance to reconnect with four recent graduates of the UNC Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and reflect on their journeys. We asked them to share how the program shaped their perspectives, skills, and commitment to public service, and their responses were both insightful and inspiring.

Sara Paige Murray

The UNC MPA program has undoubtedly made a significant impact on my understanding of public service and on my ability as a leader in the field. The perspective I have gained from joining the online cohort of experienced and active public servants has allowed me to strengthen my collaboration, idea development, and implementation muscles and has given me a more informed, nuanced eye, both in and out of the workplace. My vision of my future in public service is clearer, more principled, and broader than I could ever have imagined, thanks to those who educate and have been educated by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Master of Public Administration Program.

Patrick Jones

One of the major surprises to me coming in was the personal growth. I expected the academic work to improve upon my knowledge base and career skills, but the coursework was unexpectedly introspective at times. It helped me see ways in which I could grow or improve, and helped me learn more about myself, my strengths, and my shortcomings. The coursework and going through the program really helped me learn more about myself!

Brenda Portaro

The MPA program has been a transformative experience for me, deepening my commitment to public service and clarifying my career path in local government. Coming into the program with state government experience, I wanted to learn more about local government, and through both coursework and my internship with the Town of Holly Springs, I was able to apply those concepts in practice. One of my biggest takeaways was observing the critical role that strategic planning and financial analysis play in shaping community outcomes. Successful local governments align long-term goals with sound fiscal decision-making to remain responsive and sustainable. My time in Holly Springs as a Budget Intern allowed me to witness how these principles intersect in practice. Overall, the program strengthened my analytical skills, expanded my professional network, and prepared me to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to local government.

Stephanie Starr

When I accepted my position as Director of Community Support and Outreach for Union County Human Services Agency, I expected my prior experience to transfer seamlessly into County Government. What I didn’t anticipate was how distinct the culture and structure of the public sector would be. To address those gaps, I enrolled in the UNC School of Government Municipal and County Government course, which was invaluable but also helped me recognize that I needed the deeper, structured preparation that the MPA Program at UNC is uniquely positioned to provide.

Three experiences stand out as particularly meaningful. The Leadership Development Plan was the most transformative — through self-reflection, personality assessments, and journaling, it challenged me to examine my values and leadership philosophy in ways I never had before, even after two decades in leadership roles. The finance class connected all the dots on how local government is actually funded, elevating my thinking beyond managing a single budget to understanding the broader financial ecosystem of County Government. And the Supreme Court Opinion Paper pushed me well outside my comfort zone, giving me an entirely new lens through which to understand public policy and government decision-making.

My biggest takeaway is the critical importance of collaboration in tackling complex public service issues and wicked problems, underpinned by trust. The most challenging problems in public service cannot be solved in isolation — they require leaders who build shared purpose and create environments where diverse perspectives are essential. This program deepened my understanding that strong public service leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating the conditions where the right people can find them together. And this program delivered exactly that. Meeting so many intelligent, driven people from different backgrounds, ages, stages of life, and careers was truly awe inspiring — a constant reminder that great leadership and public service take many forms.

The Common Theme

Across these reflections, a common thread emerges: the UNC MPA program is more than an academic experience; it is a catalyst for growth, clarity, and connection. Whether through deepened self-awareness, strengthened technical skills, or meaningful peer relationships, each graduate highlighted the program’s lasting impact on both their professional paths and personal development. As they move forward in their careers, they carry with them not only new knowledge, but also a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to collaborative, thoughtful leadership in public service.