Community Education CoordinatorTown of Chapel Hill – Stormwater DivisionAmong other things, the UNC MPA program teaches you how to ask the right questions. This skill helped bridge my past experience as a social studies teacher with my current role as a professional science communicator. Generalist in nature, the multidisciplinary approach of the program will set you up for success in whatever field you land in next.
Director of Public Housing, Chapel HillTown of Chapel Hill, North CarolinaMy MPA has afforded me the opportunity to present myself as the person most organizations are in need of. I acquired analytical skills as well as excellent communication skills.
Stanly County Director of Social Services/Assistant Health and Human Services DirectorStanly CountyMPA@UNC has encouraged my growth as a courageous leader to support my long-term leadership career goal of engaging the public and promoting policies to positively impact local communities.
Budget and Management AnalystTown of Hillsborough, NCThe program helped prepare me for my career by orienting me to some of the common problems that North Carolina local governments, and those around the country, are currently wrestling with. In addition, I gained the skills and tools to make myself valuable in my career hunt after graduating. These tools include important communication skills, leadership principles, financial management, and understanding organizational dynamics. The program allowed me to network and build relationships with my cohort, who are part of the next generation of public administration leadership, and faculty at the School of Government, both of whom I still frequently consult with and seek assistance from in my professional career. Lastly, the program staff are a tremendous resource that helped me navigate academics, job searching, student life, and general guidance. I am so grateful to UNC MPA for the career I have. The MPA Program is truly a family, connecting decades worth of alumni, faculty, and staff.
Burke County Director of Social ServicesBurke County GovernmentFirst and foremost the MPA from UNC helped to set me apart from other candidates, and was instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a county Director of Social Services. In addition, the program provided me with the framework and skills necessary to be an effective leader within the context of local government.
Emergency Management CoordinatorGuilford County Emergency Management
Mayor & AttorneyThe Van Winkle Law Firm, Asheville, North Carolina“In the MPA program I learned how to listen to and understand where others are coming from. These skills are required to be an effective leader—and are helping me to navigate my community into the future.”
Community Engagement and Diversity CoordinatorAlamance County Sheriff’s OfficeI would have never guessed that my journey during the last few years would lead to county communications and then to community engagement and diversity! I am so grateful for the MPA program as it has opened up interesting and challenging opportunities!
Deputy Director of ElectionsDavidson County Board of Elections The MPA program provided me with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to operate my department efficiently and effectively. Keeping public administration values in the forefront of my mind allows me to serve the public ethically and lead my team towards being the best we can be for our citizens.
CoordinatorAmerican Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)“I am so thankful that the UNC School of Government has an online option for the MPA. As a first-generation college student and someone who grew up in a low-income family, I was worried about not being able to work while I studied, to pay for my graduate studies.”