Russ Pulley , Class of 2025

Q: Russ, you are finished with your MPA! Congratulations, how does it feel? 

A: Good question. It really feels bitter/sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at UNC in the MPA program because it was extremely challenging for one. When a program challenges me and I meet the challenge, I get a profound sense of accomplishment. This program is intentionally rigorous, which contributes to its esteemed national ranking. Second, the course material is outstanding. I loved learning and growing from the material each course presented. Lastly, the staff and my fellow students along with being at UNC is something I will always cherish. The experience was such a fantastic journey, and part of me is sad that it is over. This experience inspired my decision to pursue advanced studies, leading to my enrollment in a doctoral program. I am committed to ongoing learning, guided by the rigorous standards established by the UNC School of Government.

Q: Tell us about your initial decision to pursue an MPA. 

A: I chose to go back to school for several reasons. I had always wanted to continue my education by earning a graduate degree. I also aimed to run for a constitutional position, and the material in this program is significant for preparing for that type of role. And finally, the older I get, the more I want to continue to engage by brain and challenge myself through the learning process.

Q: Can you tell us about a favorite class, specific project or experience, or meaningful professor in the program, and what you gained from it?

A: That is a tough question because I loved all the classes and professors even though I am partial to some over others. Public service leadership stands out to me as transformational. Dr. Hemphill was one of my favorite professors and the class drove me outside of my comfort zone and challenged me to think about inclusion in a way I had never processed before. In organizational theory, the organizational analyses (I and II) were tremendously challenging and transformational in that they forced me to take a critical look at an organization, apply tools for that analysis, and come up with recommendations that forced me to dig deep and apply the teachings in a strategic manner. The organization was genuinely grateful for my involvement, and the study helped them advance their mission. This was a meaningful journey.

Q: What advice do you have for those considering going back to school or starting a career in public service?

A: I spent 41 years of my life in public service at the local, state, and federal levels. The sense of fulfillment derived from a career in public service surpasses any benefits associated with positions offering higher personal compensation. There is no greater feeling than being a part of something that provides a service that makes the lives of other people better.

Returning to school was terrifying for me. I found the experience very intimidating and often felt that my classmates were much smarter than I was. I was grateful to have brilliant classmates but also found that they valued and respected my life experience and always appreciated me sharing that. I also believed that if I worked hard, stayed up with the coursework, and participated, the professors would not let me fail. It did not take long for me to gain the confidence I needed to move through this journey.

Q: What are you looking forward to next?

A: I enrolled in a doctoral program at Vanderbilt University, and Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations. I am already off and running as the coursework dropped this week. I can already see that the MPA program at UNC prepared me well for this next journey.

Q: And a fun question to end with. What is your new year’s goal or something you are looking forward to in the new year?

A: Losing weight! I spent way too much time in front of the computer this year working on by Applied Research Project and far too little time at the gym! Ha. Do not forget personal care during this journey. And all the best to you. I can assure you if you stick with this, you will not regret it.