Carol Abken 2021

  • State
  • Environmental Sustainability

Lorrie Fair Allen

Program Director Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project“It’s definitely helping me be better in my current role, whether it’s program-related, policy, or advocacy. But beyond that, this MPA is valuable in that it really has helped prepare me for anything that comes my way in this constantly changing space in the public sector.”

  • Non Profit
  • International Affairs

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Lydian Altman 1984

Senior Manager of Leadership Curriculum DevelopmentCenter for Public Leadership and Governance, UNC School of GovernmentOver the years, the core set of competencies taught in the MPA program allowed me to pivot to a variety of professional leadership roles in local government, community college system, nonprofit, and university teaching and administration. When my personal path took me in a different direction, the degree’s flexibility enabled me to find the professional path forward.

  • State
  • General Leadership

Adrienne Augustus

Founder & Media Relations/Mental Health Programs Manager A Beautiful Mind Foundation & Hyattsville (MD) Police Department“If you truly want to be a public servant and make a positive change, an MPA will give you the know-how to lead not just effectively, but ethically and equitably too.”

  • Non Profit
  • Law Enforcement
  • Social Services

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Michael Barclift

Financial AdvisorWaddell & Reed, Inc.“People everywhere want to feel safe in their homes, want to provide for their families, and they want to belong—to be accepted by others they respect. I have not seen an exception to this rule anywhere in the world.”

  • Private
  • Finance and Budgeting

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Jennifer Barnhill

Chief Operating OfficerPartners in PROMISE“Military spouses are extremely capable, but our lifestyle makes it difficult to seize career opportunities,” she said. “We have a unique ability to pivot quickly based on our circumstances, and this skillset is transferable to professional life.”

  • Non Profit
  • Communications
  • Education

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Sammy Bauer 2021

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.

  • Local
  • Education

Emily Hall Bausch 2021

Critical-Crisis Communications SpecialistAppalachian State University (Appalachian) Communications Team

  • State
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Emergency Management

Stephanie Benson 2021

  • Private
  • Economic Development

Michelle Bracy 2021

Mentoring Program ManagerU.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)The MPA program provided me with access to real-life practictioners across government. I became interested in a career at GAO after attending a UNC-sponsored information session featuring the head of the agency. Since participating in my GAO internship, I have been at GAO for over 16 years and have served in variety of roles.

  • Federal
  • Finance and Budgeting

Faith Brodie 2021

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.

  • Local
  • Housing

Jennifer Snow Butler 2021

  • Public Health