This Spring, the UNC MPA program welcomed 20 new students into the online format. From an attorney with the Federal Transit Administration to the Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of a non-profit textile innovation and sustainabilty engine, our cohort represents a wide-range of interests and experience. We have students from all parts of North Carolina, as well as students joining us from states such as Nebraska, Virginia, Utah, and South Carolina.
We sat down with four of them to learn a little more about them and why they’re here for the MPA.
Nolan Just – Mill Spring, North Carolina
Lily Hawkins – Salt Lake City, Utah
Xavier Vallejo – Chapel Hill, NC
Laney Madison – Georgetown, KY
This post was written by Emma Gilliam.
Emma Gilliam is a first year student in the MPA program at UNC Chapel Hill. She is the co-founder of the student organiziation Leaders for Good. Emma is from Hendersonville, NC and received her undergraduate degree from UNC with double majors in Political Science and Advertising/Public Relations.
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Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend the NC State of the Child Summit in Raleigh, hosted by NC Child and the North Carolina Institute of Medicine. I joined fellow MPA student Lilly Parker, who is also my co-founder in Leaders for Good, a student organization we created to connect graduate students interested in the nonprofit sector. Lilly is currently studying NC Child in our Organizational Theory class and was the one who connected us to this summit.
The day brought together nonprofit leaders, educators, lawmakers, public health experts, and advocates to reflect on one big question: How are we doing when it comes to the health and well-being of North Carolina’s children?
We heard from an amazing lineup of speakers, including Erica Palmer Smith, Executive Director of NC Child. She asked, “Why can’t North Carolina be number one in children?” After all, we’re already #1 in basketball (sorry, Lilly, who’s from Kentucky), #1 in BBQ, and first in flight. So why not first in making sure our kids are safe, healthy, and supported?
Governor Josh Stein also took the stage and shared highlights from his budget proposal, which includes major investments in early childhood education and family well-being. He’s proposing to expand NC Pre-K, increase teacher pay, and offer free school breakfast to all students, along with a $300 stipend for teachers to buy classroom supplies. He reminded us that affordable childcare isn’t just a family issue — it’s a workforce and economic development issue. Right now, there’s only one childcare spot for every five families, and the average annual cost is higher than in-state tuition at UNC.
Throughout the day, we attended sessions that discussed foster care, disaster response, and food insecurity. The statistics shared were often tough to hear, like how 9.5% of NC high school students reported attempting suicide in the past year, but what came through was the need for system-level collaboration. Solving these complex issues will take shared goals, aligned policies, and sustained partnerships.
As someone from Western North Carolina, I was especially moved by the panel on Hurricane Helene’s impact. Communities are still feeling the effects of the storm, especially young people dealing with trauma. One therapist shared that many kids she works with have developed an intense fear of wind and rain. But I also saw examples of powerful community response, like the work of Centro Unido Latino Americano in McDowell County, which partnered with local government to provide translated resources and direct outreach to Spanish-speaking families.
Another session I attended focused on foster care, where I learned that 16,000 kids are in the system in NC right now. That’s not a small problem — it’s a complex, structural one. Every panelist emphasized the same solution: collaboration. We can’t solve problems like these in silos. We need shared goals, better policies, and a lot more resources.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the summit came from Rwenshaun Miller, a therapist and founder of Eustress, Inc. He held up two items: his UNC football jersey and a straitjacket. That stark visual showed his journey from student-athlete to mental health advocate. His mantra, “Be who you needed when you were younger,” resonated deeply. He now works with youth in unconventional ways, shooting hoops, drawing, playing video games, because he knows traditional therapy settings don’t work for everyone. His words were a powerful reminder of why so many of us pursue public administration: to become the kind of leader, advocate, or support system we once needed ourselves.
I left feeling inspired, motivated… and honestly, a little overwhelmed. There’s a lot of work to do, but this summit was a clear reminder that North Carolina is full of people committed to making things better for kids. As a public administration student, it reinforced what we talk about in class: that complex problems demand collaborative solutions. If we want lasting change, we have to work across sectors, across systems, and across differences, and do it together.
UNC MPA students Olivia Boudwin, Mason McVeety, Rachel Wooster, and Josie Zakrzewski have created an interactive StoryMap as part of the POV Project on Affordable Housing. Their project aims to challenge misconceptions, highlight key barriers, and showcase practical solutions to housing affordability in North Carolina.
Affordable housing is often misunderstood, leading to opposition that can slow or prevent progress. Through data analysis, real-world examples, and interactive storytelling, the team’s StoryMap offers a clearer understanding of what affordable housing is, who it benefits, and how it strengthens communities.
By breaking down complex issues and illustrating successful initiatives, the project encourages informed discussions and greater support for policies that promote housing affordability.
Explore their StoryMap here: Affordable Housing in North Carolina.
Q: Hi Rachel! Where’s your hometown and alma mater?
A: I am from Raleigh, NC and went to Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
Q: What inspired you to pursue an MPA, and why did you choose UNC?
A: I have always had a passion for local government, and I noticed that many of the leaders and mentors I admired held MPAs. Having previously worked in local government, I found that UNC’s School of Government was an invaluable resource for my professional development. Additionally, UNC SOG played a crucial role in supporting the rural communities I served, which made it my top choice for my education.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background before joining the program?
I’ve had a relatively linear career trajectory, for better or for worse, LOL. I earned my undergraduate degree in public administration from Appalachian State University and then worked as a community and economic developer in Warren County, a rural area just north of Raleigh (the last county before Virginia). I later moved back to the western part of the state for an opportunity with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments as a Community and Regional Planner in Hickory, NC where I served a four-county region. There, I focused on rural capacity building, working on projects like long-range strategic and land use plans, public meeting facilitation, zoning and permitting, and supporting outdoor recreation initiatives. I’m also really lucky to have had great managers who empowered me to explore creative problem-solving and gain experience across various functions.
Q: What has been the most valuable course or experience in the UNC MPA program so far?
A: The UNC MPA program has truly allowed me to connect my passion for working in local government with the course concepts. I knew I was at the right school when my classmates and I would get together outside of class and find ourselves discussing a theory from class or a case from law. It not only helped me better understand the material (and be prepared for exams) but also gave me the opportunity to hear others’ perspectives and insights.
Q: How do you balance coursework with professional or personal commitments?
A: I currently work as program support with the Town of Chapel Hill while also being a full-time student. Balancing my schedule often comes down to setting lots of calendar reminders and prioritizing my immediate commitments for the week or day. The people in my cohort do a great job of creating opportunities for collaborative work, getting fresh air on walks, or doing something fun, like going to a play.
Q: What has been your favorite part of being in the UNC MPA community?
A: I’ve probably mentioned this a lot already, but the UNC MPA community is incredibly dedicated to supporting students in both their professional and academic goals. They go above and beyond to connect students with opportunities like mentorship, jobs, and the alumni network. It’s been really exciting to be surrounded by people who are just as passionate as I am about public service and helping communities.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering the UNC MPA program?
A: I would tell anyone considering the UNC MPA program that it truly lives up to what it advertises and more. If you’re looking for small class sizes, a highly involved alumni network, courses and opportunities tailored to your needs and interests, and have a passion for public service, you will thrive at UNC MPA.
Q: Outside of your studies, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
A: I’m more of a hobby collector and tend to rotate through different hobbies and interests. However, my love for hiking has remained pretty consistent over the past couple of years. I’ve done quite a bit of hiking in North Carolina’s mountains, as well as out west in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. I’ll also be in Peru this summer to hike a part of Machu Picchu before my PWE.
UNC MPA provides professional development opportunities for students throughout their time in the program. Through the generous donations of alumni, the support of our career services team, and the professional development fund, we were able to support 37 students with interests in local government to attend the annual North Carolina City and County Management conference in Winston-Salem. The conference provides a networking environment to learn alongside local government leaders. While this conference traditionally is for those interested in local government and city/county management, a few of the attendees went to network and gain exposure because of the intersection local governments have with nonprofit organizations, state governments, and even the federal government. It helps students understand cross sector collaboration and intergovernmental relations.
At conferences such as NCCCMA, students receive the opportunity to mingle with faculty, alumni, and seasoned career professionals. Our career services team provided opportunities like the speed networking session, the alumni breakfast, and the Happy Hour to network at. They also encouraged students to sit at tables at with new people, not just their classmates. And they were always on hand at the conference to help introduce students to alumni through informal conversations.
Our team really encourages students to be active participants during these opportunities. Going to sessions, taking notes, asking questions, engaging at lunches, and talking to new people is what it’s all about. It is a challenging task often times for students, but gaining confidence throughout one’s time in graduate school is part of professional development. It’s part of being a leader. Finding yourself in uncomfortable situatoins and using your skills and abilities to navigate them.
We caught up with two students who attended to hear more on their experience.
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Victor Morats, MPA/JD student
‘NCCCMA was a great experience especially for people who are unsure about what they want to do when they graduate. Though it is very tailored towards town and city managers, I was able to have countless fascinating conversations with managers about individual service departments. The event was also very welcoming to students with countless sessions dedicated to MPA students and aspiring town managers. Though I am still not quite sure what I want to do after I graduate, I gained a lot from attending NCCCMA and have a better understanding of what a career in a city or county manager’s office would look like.’
Zakiya Parker, MPA Student
‘I had a fantastic time at the 2025 North Carolina City and County Manager Association Winter Seminar (NCCCMA). From an inspiring speech by keynote speaker Sonya Hopson to networking and mini-sessions based on current workforce topics, NCCCMA did not disappoint. As a first-time conference attendee, I did not know what to expect and tried to experience everything the event had to offer. One of my favorite sessions explored how to navigate working with multiple generations by teaching the negative impacts of generational stereotypes and highlighted how each generation can learn from each other to optimize communication, work culture, and the importance of passing on skills and knowledge.
I also enjoyed the speed networking session on day two of the seminar. The session forced me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to meet and learn from several city and county managers. Each interaction felt genuine and unique. The fact that each manager I encountered was excited to share their experiences with me and provide invaluable tips made my time at the conference even more meaningful. In fact, Prior to this experience, I never considered a career in local government management. My goal has always been to work in community development or pursue a federal position. However, I am considering a new path after attending the NCCCMA seminar.‘
We interviewed current online student Allie Omens. Allie lives in Nashville, Tennessee and works as the Zero Waste Program Coordinator for the Nashville Department of Waste Services.
What’s your hometown, alma mater, and current job title/employer?
I was born and raised in San Diego, California, but made my way to North Carolina to attend UNC-Chapel Hill for my undergraduate studies. After earning my degree, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where I now serve as the Zero Waste Program Coordinator for the Nashville Department of Waste Services. In this role, I lead education and outreach efforts and develop special policy initiatives to help Nashville residents reduce their waste.
What inspired you to pursue an MPA, and why did you choose UNC?
Through my undergraduate studies and professional experience in waste reduction, I’ve developed a strong passion for advancing solid waste regulation to better serve communities across the United States. The MPA@UNC program offers the academic foundation and public service framework that will prepare me for greater impact in this field. It’s also a great honor to continue my education at my alma mater and the country’s first public university where faculty are deeply committed to understanding and improving government.
Can you share a bit about your background before joining the program?
Growing up in San Diego, California, I was surrounded by strong local environmental policies, which first sparked my interest in environmental regulation. My undergraduate experience at Carolina, along with the mentorship I received from UNC Public Policy faculty, helped propel my career path in local government waste and recycling services at the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Before joining the UNC MPA program, I focused on policy research and stakeholder engagement for Nashville’s proposed construction and demolition diversion ordinance. Since starting the MPA program, I’ve been able to leverage my growing skillset to advance my career, taking on a leadership role as a team lead for the education and outreach division to increase community involvement in local waste services.
What has been the most valuable course or experience in the UNC MPA program so far?
One of the most impactful courses for me has been Organizational Theory. Learning different frameworks for analyzing how organizations function has given me valuable insight into leadership and strategic policy implementation. Fun fact—Org Theory was the class I sat in on when applying to the program, and it helped me decide that the UNC MPA was the right fit for me!
How do you balance coursework with professional or personal commitments?
Right now, I’m balancing full-time work, part-time studies, and planning a wedding, so I definitely know a thing or two about time management! My biggest strategy is staying organized with a written planner—I map out assignments weeks in advance to stay on top of deadlines. I also lean on my support system of family and friends, who remind me to take a step back and recharge when needed.
What has been your favorite part of being in the UNC MPA community?
I love seeing the wide range of career paths that benefit from the UNC MPA curriculum. Now that I’ve been in the program for over a year, I recognize familiar faces across my classes, and it’s been rewarding to watch how my peers apply what we learn to their professional work.
What advice would you give to someone considering the UNC MPA program?
Go for it—and be ready to hustle! The program is rigorous, but having a strong support system makes all the difference, especially for those of us in the online program balancing full-time work responsibilities. That said, I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this program, and I truly believe it’s worth the investment.
Outside of your studies, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
I play in a weekly co-ed soccer league, which is my favorite way to unwind after long stretches of evening classes. I also enjoy crafting, especially embroidery, and I often bring a project to my local coffee shop to take a break from studying. And if wedding planning counts as a temporary hobby, I’d add that to the list as well!
Jillian Brookshire is in her first year of the online format.
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Q: What’s your hometown, alma mater, and current job title/employer?
I am originally from Raleigh, NC. I went to Campbell University for my undergraduate degree in Political Science-Public Administration. I currently work for the Town of Lillington, NC as the Planning Technician.
Q: What inspired you to pursue an MPA, and why did you choose UNC?
My sophomore year of undergrad, I took an Introduction to Public Administration course taught by my academic advisor. I always knew I wanted to serve and work in the public sector in some capacity, and after taking this class, I knew it meant pursuing an MPA. The ability to apply a theoretical lens to real-world experiences to deliver quality services and solutions to people in my community is what pushed me towards obtaining my MPA. I chose the UNC MPA program, specifically the online format, because the program prioritizes providing students with a quality education that prioritizes diversity and connection, even in the virtual format. The online program allows me to apply course content to my career every day and has made me a more well-rounded academic and professional individual.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background before joining the program?
Prior to joining the MPA Program, I graduated from Campbell University in May 2024. Upon graduation, I accepted a full-time job offer with the Planning Department at the Town of Lillington, where I completed my undergraduate internship. Going to school in a more rural area of North Carolina has given me a deep love for the resilience and community found within rural America. I hope to continue to use my knowledge and current position to advocate for economic growth and development in rural areas while still prioritizing the sense of community within these towns.
Q: What has been the most valuable course or experience in the UNC MPA program so far?
The 2024 Immersion experience has been the most valuable experience in the MPA Program so far. This year’s course focused on the challenges and benefits of AI in the public sector. The Immersion was an opportunity for me to connect with many of my online peers in person, which was very meaningful. The ability to meet so many people and learn from their professional and academic experiences was inspiring to me, as someone just starting out in the program. The Immersion also highlighted the diversity in thought housed within the MPA program, and the ability to learn from diverse perspectives heightened my worldview and made course content more applicable to the professional world.
Q: How do you balance coursework with professional or personal commitments?
Balancing coursework with a 40-hour work week is challenging – there is no denying that. I have found that dedicating a small portion of my evening, each weeknight, allows me to rest and have fun on the weekends. I find that prioritizing coursework for a few hours a day allows me to fully engage with course content, while not burning out. Also, allow yourself to have fun! Don’t ever stop doing the things you love. Let yourself take breaks from school and work to do something enjoyable and not taxing. Sometimes, that is all you need to refocus!
Q: What has been your favorite part of being in the UNC MPA community?
The UNC MPA community is so engaging and connected, even in the online format. Despite not being on campus, I still feel a strong sense of connection to the UNC Community. The MPA program does a fantastic job providing access to many on-campus activities, lectures, etc. in a virtual format, allowing online folks to connect with what’s occurring on campus. There is also a strong sense of mentorship within the online cohorts. I appreciate the connectedness between myself and peers who are ahead of me in the program. Their guidance has been so helpful to me as I am navigating my first year in the program.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering the UNC MPA program?
If you are at all contemplating the UNC MPA Program, please attend an information session and/or visit a class! Once you learn about the program and see how the classes function, you will want to be part of this community. When I was interested in applying, I joined an informational session and talked with an alum of the program. After those two experiences, I knew that Carolina is where I wanted to pursue my degree!
Q: Outside of your studies, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
In my spare time, I love to play my guitar, read, get outdoors, and catch up with friends and family. Any opportunity to get outside and be in community is something I will always take advantage of.
Jenny Heckscher is the director of innovation programs for the Center for Innovation Strategies at The Ohio State University, where she manages programs, operations, and outreach to support education, research, and applied practice in innovation. She has been an adjunct faculty member with the UNC MPA program since 2016. She earned a B.A. from Ohio State and an M.A. in public policy and management from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
Q: How did you find your way into teaching with UNC MPA?
I knew Dr. Amy Wade from her work with Glenn College at Ohio State, and she had wonderful things to say about the online MPA program at UNC-Chapel Hill. She mentioned she taught Organization Theory, and I mentioned that was an area of expertise and interest for me; she later approached me about my interest in interviewing for an adjunct instructor role. I interviewed and fortunately was hired in 2016 and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching in the MPA program. The UNC School of Government is the nation’s largest university-based training, advisory, and research organization for public officials. We have highly experienced faculty and staff, and inspiring students who bring impressive background to every class. I enjoy the opportunity to share learning, knowledge, and leading practices with our students each term.
Q: How did your career in public administration lead you to academia?
A great deal of my background is in higher education working for a large public research university. I also worked for over a decade in the private sector in financial services, where I worked extensively with our federal regulatory agency. I have always loved learning; teaching in a public administration program aligns many of my interests—teaching public service leaders, continually learning how to make organizations more effective, and helping to serve our communities.
Q: Can you share a bit about your career outside of academia and how it influences your teaching?
All of my roles, even in the private sector, have had high integration with the public sector; in class, we discuss the blurring of the sectors. Many roles and organizations collaborate across sectors, and that is why the MPA degree offers such actionable knowledge and skills for students from all sectors. And this informs my teaching; students come away from Organization Theory and their many other courses in the program with a highly valuable toolkit they can draw on throughout their careers.
Q: What are some of the key skills and experiences that have shaped your approach to public administration?
Here I will draw on Organization Theory; I may be biased, but Org Theory can help you in so many ways, both professionally and personally. Dr. Jacobson, the lead faculty member for the course, provides a comprehensive approach to understanding organizations and diagnosing challenges and opportunities within those organizations. For example, we use the Bolman and Deal text, Reframing Organizations, which employs a four-frame model to help us apply a structural, HR, political, and symbolic lens to holistically understand a situation. The approach of considering a variety of mental models based on decades of research and practice can be applied to many situations to inform decision-making and create a path forward. I emphasize to my students that we cannot know all the answers when we take on a new role or face a new challenge, but Org Theory provides skills and knowledge so you’ll know where to start, how to diagnose what is happening, and how to create a path forward. I hope that provides a level of confidence to us all as public service leaders.
Q: What types of roles or organizations have you worked with in the public sector, and how do those experiences inform your teaching?
I also work at The Ohio State University, which like UNC, is a large research university. Large research universities pose intriguing organizational challenges and opportunities; they are highly decentralized organizations, with many talented faculty and staff in subunits each with its own structure and culture, all working hard to meet the needs of students and other stakeholders while making progress in their respective missions as research and teaching institutions. I have many examples from working in higher education of successful organizational practices, and of course, examples of how things might have been done better, that I can draw on while teaching.
In my current role, I’m the director of innovation programs for the Center for Innovation Strategies at Ohio State. We help organizations explore and validate new programs and services. Innovation is closely tied to Organization Theory. For example, in Org Theory, we discuss the importance of strategic planning; innovative ideas often arise out of the strategic planning process and the need to respond to environmental factors the organization is facing. And that planning process requires thinking about collaborating with stakeholders, another topic we discuss at length in the course. Any new program or service also needs to be integrated into the organization, which requires thinking across the organization’s structure, HR, political, and symbolic or cultural framework using the Bolman and Deal four frame model I mentioned earlier.
I have also served on a board for a national nonprofit focused on diversity in higher education recruiting. In all of my roles, I have learned the importance of collaboration, active listening, empowering others, continually learning from each other, and helping others to succeed so that the organization can pursue its mission and goals. And these are all skills and concepts we discuss extensively in Organization Theory.
Q: What advice do you have for students looking to pursue a career in public administration or become more involved in the legislative process?
Pursuing an MPA offers an excellent foundation, and I’m so impressed with the students, faculty, and staff at the School of Government; my advice would be to soak up as much as you can from everyone. Our students, faculty and staff bring a wealth of expertise; we can learn from each other every day. And stay in touch with those you meet through the program and any other professional development activities you engage in. There are so many talented public service leaders doing great work; we can all learn from and support each other to best serve our communities.
Q: What are some of your personal interests or passions outside of public administration?
My husband and I have two young adult daughters whom we love to spend time with. Now that we are recent empty nesters, we’re enjoying more time for long walks and exercise, and more time with family and friends and for travel. A few years ago, I decided to learn guitar. I put myself in the category of “not awful” as a guitar player for the foreseeable future. I also enjoy reading widely, both fiction and non-fiction.
Immersion weekend is a yearly event where we invite all of online students to campus for a weekend intensive course, which counts for 1.5 credit hours of electives. Each year, we invite one faculty member to select the topic (usually in his or her area of expertise), and they are responsible for planning the course and all the parts of the weekend. This year, Professor John Stephens presented his course on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration’. One of our current students Ushni Gupta sat down with current student Kevin Fulbright to talk about his experience coming to campus for Immersion. Here’s what we learned.
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Ushni Gupta: Kevin, thank you so much for joining me today. I’m excited to dive into your experience with the UNC MPA program, especially the recent immersion. I’ve heard amazing things about it, and I have to say, I had a bit of FOMO since I couldn’t attend this year. Can you share your experience with the immersion program?
Kevin Fulbright: Honestly, I was set on attending the immersions right from the start. I first discovered the immersion program while going through the course catalog during my admissions research, and it immediately stood out to me. I didn’t need any convincing—it was a no-brainer. I knew this experience was something I wanted to take full advantage of, so I made sure to attend both eligible sessions, including the one that just passed this Fall.
Ushni Gupta: That’s fantastic! It’s great to hear how committed you were from the beginning. What do you think sets the immersion program apart from other online MPA or even other online graduate programs?
Kevin Fulbright: That’s a great question. From my experience and from talking to others in our cohort, I haven’t heard of any other online MPA programs that offer something quite like this. The immersion program at UNC is unique because it bridges the gap between online flexibility and in-person engagement. It’s not just another Zoom session or online discussion; it’s an intensive, hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of public administration topics and connects you with your peers on a much more personal level. It brings together the best of both worlds, which is rare to find in online education.
Ushni Gupta: That sounds incredible! I heard that the focus of this immersion was on artificial intelligence, which can be a pretty complex topic. How was that experience for you, especially since AI is becoming increasingly relevant in various sectors?
Kevin Fulbright: The AI focus was both challenging and fascinating. The structure of the immersion was exceptionally well-organized. It was packed with enriching interactions and diverse content, all centered around artificial intelligence. We had subject matter expert lectures, including sessions led by Dr. Stephens, who really broke down complex AI concepts. What made it even more impactful was that some of our own cohort members, who already work with AI in their respective fields, shared their expertise. They gave us real-world examples of how AI is being integrated into government operations, preparing us for the inevitable changes AI will bring to our own workplaces.
Ushni Gupta: I also heard there were some special events during the immersion, like the Deil Wright Public Sector Forum and the networking reception. How were those experiences?
Kevin Fulbright: Oh, those were definitely highlights! The Deil Wright Public Sector Forum was a standout for me. We had North Carolina public officials discussing how AI impacts their governance areas. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from leaders about the challenges and opportunities AI presents. Then, we had the Regal All Hands reception, which was this amazing mix of faculty, alumni, current students, and even folks who weren’t officially part of the immersion but wanted to join in. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone networking, sharing stories, and just enjoying the vibe. We even had people drive in from Charlotte just for that evening!
Ushni Gupta: Now, circling back to AI, I’m curious—has your immersion experience influenced how you approach your current role with the Indian Health Service?
Kevin Fulbright: That’s a great question. AI hasn’t fully integrated into my current role yet, but it’s on the horizon. At our recent annual IT conference, we learned that Microsoft Co-Pilot, powered by GPT-4, will soon be coming to our agency. It’s not a matter of if, but when. So, everything I’ve been learning about AI through the UNC immersion and my personal exploration is preparing me for those changes. The immersion experience, especially, has given me a head start in understanding how AI can enhance our work in federal healthcare.
Ushni Gupta: What was the part of the immersion weekend that you really enjoyed the most?
Kevin Fulbright: You’re gonna love this. So, besides the food and beverages at the School of Government, seriously, I did not have a bad meal or drink the whole time I was there. They’ve got this amazing coffee machine that makes like 15 different varieties. You can be completely caffeinated the whole time you’re there. And the coffee’s top-notch—nothing like those quick-stop gas station machines. This place knows how to brew. But honestly, beyond that, what I really took away from the immersion was the genuine care and the vibe of the place. The energy from everyone—from the Dean, the faculty, to the students, even the alumni—was just so welcoming. It’s a unique atmosphere, and you’ll feel it soon enough.
Ushni Gupta: That sounds incredible! What would you say was the biggest lesson or takeaway from the weekend for you?
Kevin Fulbright: Well, speaking specifically about AI, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is already reshaping industries, and we’re on the brink of that coming into public administration, especially in agencies like the Indian Health Service, where I work. The immersion taught me that it’s on us, as public administrators, to make sure AI benefits all stakeholders equitably, safely, and without bias. It’s about crafting policies and guidelines that ensure the technology is used responsibly.
Ushni Gupta: How was it connecting with classmates, faculty, and alumni for the first time?
Kevin Fulbright: Ah, this is my favorite question. The immersion really solidified the friendships and bonds we had already started forming in class. When we came together in person, it was like this huge reunion. There were smiles, hugs, and so many memories made—people told me they’ve made lifelong friends here. That’s something special.
My mom, who’s a Buddhist, always emphasizes the importance of making others happy. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces during the immersion, it made me feel like I was in the right place. Everyone just genuinely cared about each other, and that positive energy really extended to everyone—faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike. It’s not just about the degree; it’s about building these authentic connections.
Ushni Gupta: Do you have any recommendations for any prospective students thinking of joining the MPA Program?
Kevin Fulbright: To anyone considering the UNC MPA program—whether online or in person—I highly recommend it. The experience is one that exceeds expectations in every way. And I’m not just saying that because I’m in the program. I’ve told people that if given the chance, I’m going to be the biggest ambassador for this program. So, to anyone who’s thinking about it, go for it. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about finding a community that genuinely cares about you and your growth. If you have the opportunity to attend the immersion sessions, absolutely do it. The connections you make, the knowledge you gain, and the memories you create are invaluable. The immersion is a chance to step out of your comfort zone, meet incredible people, and see the real-world applications of what we’re learning. It’s an experience that truly enriches your journey in the MPA program.
This past September, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of my MPA program at UNC Chapel Hill. The International City and County Management Association (ICMA) is the world’s leading organization for local government employees, and through my membership in the UNC-Chapel Hill ICMA student chapter, the university sponsored my registration along with about 30 other MPA students.
The 2024 ICMA conference attracted over 4,800 attendees, featured 262 educational sessions, hosted 528 speakers, showcased 211 exhibitors, and was supported by 18 sponsors. As a student attendee, I had the opportunity to connect with numerous local government professionals and strategy teams, gaining a comprehensive understanding of career paths available to me after graduation.
One of the standout sessions for me was “Engagement in the Digital Age: Leveraging Social Listening and Analytics for Enhanced Community Engagement,” presented by Jason Grant, ICMA’s Director of Advocacy, and Trever Johnson, Deputy Director of Prince William County, Virginia Department of Economic Development. This session explored innovative strategies for using digital tools and data analytics to strengthen engagement between local governments and their constituents. The presenters emphasized the importance of social listening, insightful analytics, and strategic engagement to create more informed and involved communities. As someone who works in social media and community outreach, I found this session particularly valuable, equipping me with new tactics and tools to improve community building efforts.
Additionally, UNC’s MPA program hosted a Happy Hour and a NCCCMA Dinner (North Carolina City and County Management Association), fostering a supportive networking environment that allowed students to connect with North Carolina professionals in public service.
Being part of UNC-Chapel Hill’s ICMA student chapter has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing the connections I made and applying the knowledge I gained in my educational and professional career.