Christina Bice, Class of 2023
Q: Looking back on who you were at the start of the program to who you are now, how have you changed?
A: I’ve become a more thoughtful and strategic, forward-thinking person. The MPA program helped me move outside of my linear thinking patterns and consider the systems that create embedded problems and approaches we can take to change systems at the source to lead to better outcomes.
Q: What is one class, one project, one faculty member, one experience, one discussion, or some other aspect of our program that had an impact on you and proved to be meaningful in your professional life?
A: My Applied Research Project experience was incredibly valuable. I researched work characteristics among hybrid and remote staff members at U.S. colleges and universities that promoted organizational commitment (ultimately, information sharing across distances and clear, equitable performance management). I was able to apply my findings directly to the development of an institution-wide flexible work program at my place of work. We will be tracking the results of our program over the next few years to see its effects on retention and recruitment. UNC gave me the guidance I needed to engage in this research and the language to bring my findings to HR and university leaders.
Q: A brief quote or piece of advice for those considering the UNC MPA or a career in public service?
A: Join the UNC MPA program! It will help you with any number of paths forward in public service or even to help you bring important public service values into other sectors. The MPA program teaches you about inter-sector relationships, systems, and encourages you to “ask the second question” to reach real solutions.
