The 2024 recipient of a scholarship honoring Carolina’s first Black graduate is building a legacy for her daughter.
Originally posted by Terzah Dyer, University Development, Thursday, April 30th, 2026
“I saw myself in Harvey Beech,” said Angelica Foster ’25 (MPA). “He was a bold person and so am I.”
Foster’s record of service and dedication to the public interest was recognized with the prestigious Harvey Beech scholarship in 2024. She graduated from the Master of Public Administration program at the UNC School of Government in December 2025 and will be participating in the 2026 Spring Commencement.
When Harvey Elliott Beech ’52, the first Black student to graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, came to the UNC School of Law, he wasn’t welcome in many places — not in Steele dorm, not in the dining hall and not even at the pool. Beech challenged the way things were simply by existing in spaces Black students weren’t allowed to be in.
That boldness is what drove Foster to Carolina.
She recalls reading about a moment when Beech attended a football game and insisted on sitting wherever he chose.
“The newspapers printed it as if to say Harvey Beech cursed out the chancellor,” Foster said. “But he said, ‘I didn’t. I just said I would sit any damn place I wish.’ That showed me how bold he was — when others were afraid, he was speaking up. And that’s who I am.”
Like Beech, Foster has built her life around speaking up for others, especially when it matters most.
After graduating from UNC Charlotte in 2015 with a degree in criminal justice, Foster went on to serve in the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem program, where she advocated for abused and neglected children and led statewide efforts to strengthen outcomes for youth and families involved in the court system.
“I am often the person who says things that people don’t want to hear, which is why it’s easy for me to testify in court on behalf of kids and families,” Foster said.
That conviction is deeply personal. At just 9 years old, Foster testified in chambers about the abuse she and her sister were experiencing.
“I was living in fear, and that experience shaped my purpose, and that led me to not caring if I am well liked, especially in the courtroom,” she said. “Now I don’t shy away from difficult conversations. I advocate for what is right to protect the children I serve,” she said.
Foster says her daughter is the heart of her decision to come to Carolina. (Submitted photo)
Faith and family ultimately guided Foster’s decision to come to Carolina for graduate school.
“I prayed and heard God say, ‘Do the things you thought you could never do,’” Foster said. “I told myself I am doing this for my daughter and building a Carolina legacy for my family, ensuring that she will grow up never thinking Carolina isn’t for her because of the color of her skin.”
Not only was Foster admitted into the MPA program in the UNC School of Government, she was also the only graduate student to win a Beech scholarship.
In the MPA program, Foster found more than coursework — she found community. Professors stayed after class to continue conversations, creating space for her to show up fully as herself and grow as a leader.
Today, Foster runs her consulting firm Angelic Impact Consulting LLC, a trauma-informed consulting firm focused on strengthening outcomes for children, families and the professionals who serve them.
Looking ahead, Foster is committed to advancing systemic change within child welfare and public service systems, ensuring both families and frontline professionals are supported to thrive.
But at the core of her work is something simpler: legacy.
“I didn’t have that legacy started for me,” Foster said, “so I wanted to create that legacy for my daughter.”
Read more about Angelica Foster.
(Re)Connect with MPA alumni, students, and staff for drinks, lite bites, and great conversation in Charlotte, NC at a UNC MPA Happy Hour Hub.
When: Tuesday, April 28
Where: Armored Cow Brewing, 8821 JW Clay Blvd #1, Charlotte, NC 28262
(Re)Connect with MPA alumni, students, faculty, and staff for drinks, lite bites, and great conversation in DC at a UNC MPA Happy Hour Hub.
When: Thursday, April 9
Where: Calico, 50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington DC 20001
The UNC Master of Public Administration program is proud to celebrate the appointment of Christina Farrell, ‘92 as the new Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management, the nation’s largest local emergency management agency.
Commissioner Farrell brings more than three decades of public service to this role, including 23 years with NYC Emergency Management and over 31 years with the City of New York. Her appointment by the mayor marks a significant milestone in a distinguished career spent strengthening the city’s preparedness, response, and resilience.
In reflecting on the announcement, she shared:
“After 23 years at NYC Emergency Management and more than 31 with the City of New York, Mayor Mamdani has appointed me Commissioner of the nation’s largest local emergency management agency. I am so honored to lead this amazing team, and I understand what an awesome responsibility this is. The public servants at our agency work tirelessly on behalf of all 8.5 million New Yorkers before, during and after emergencies, and we are excited for this new era for our agency and New York City.”
Beyond her contributions to New York City, Commissioner Farrell has remained a dedicated member of the UNC MPA community. She has served as an MPA Alumni Mentor, supporting students as they explore careers in public service, and is an active member of the MPA Alumni Association Board, where she helps strengthen connections between alumni, students, and the program. Most recently, she returned to UNC-Chapel Hill as a panelist at the Deil S. Wright Public Service Forum in October 2025, sharing insights from her extensive leadership experience with MPA students, faculty, and alumni.
Her leadership embodies the mission of the UNC MPA program: preparing public service professionals to lead, innovate, and serve the public good at every level.
Congratulations, Commissioner Farrell! UNC MPA is proud to count you among our alumni and look forward to following your continued impact on New York City and the field of emergency management.
(Re)Connect with MPA alumni, students, faculty, and staff for drinks, lite bites, and great conversation in Winston-Salem for a UNC MPA Happy Hour Hub. Whether you are attending the NCCCMA Winter Seminar or not, we’d love to see you.
When: Thursday, January 29th
Where: Small Batch, 241 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(Re)Connect with MPA alumni, students, faculty, and staff for drinks, lite bites, and great conversation in Tampa, FL for a UNC MPA Happy Hour Hub. Whether you are attending the ICMA Conference or not, we’d love to see you.
Where: Motorworks Brewing – 707 Harbour Post Drive Tampa, FL 33602
The theme of this year’s Deil S. Wright Public Service Forum is emergency management. Organized by School of Government faculty member Crista Cuccaro and offered In conjunction with the UNC MPA Immersion course on Emergency Management, this year’s Deil S. Wright Public Service Forum will feature an engaging discussion on the topic with experts and practitioners in the field.
The Deil S. Wright Public Service Forum will again be linked to the UNC MPA program’s Immersion course, this year on Emergency Management. The Forum will be a panel discussion moderated by Norma Houston that focuses on relationships and coordination between local, state, and federal governments for successful emergency management.
Speaking about emergency management from the local government perspective will be UNC MPA alumna Christina Farrell ’92, First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management; Will Ray, North Carolina Emergency Management Director; and Erik Hooks, former Deputy Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In person registration for School of Government community members and #uncmpa program alumni. Reception to follow.
Virtual registration available for prospective students and those interested in emergency management.
This spring UNC MPA awarded diplomas to 41 graduates. We reached out to a few of them to find out what they’re up to this summer and post graduation. Each year the UNC MPA program graduates leaders ready for public service work. Our graduates are employed across all levels of government, non-profit organizations, and even the private sectors. Read about a few of them below.
Cady Cooper – Legistlative Assistant, US Senate
Phillip Matthew Dellinger – Budget Analyst, City of Hickory
Matthew Rowe – Wildland Firefighter, US Forest Service
Avangelyne Padilla – Project Coordinator, Fountainworks
by Katie Geith
New UNC School of Government faculty member Dylan Russell was recently recognized with three distinguished honors, which underscore his contributions to public service, higher education, and leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill and across North Carolina.
In March, Russell was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, Carolina’s oldest honor society.
Founded in 1904, the Order fosters connections among students, faculty, and alumni and selects members based on extraordinary service to the university in scholarship, motivation, creativity, loyalty, and leadership in academic and extracurricular pursuits. Russell was nominated by Richard Stevens, former state senator, UNC MPA alumnus, and Chair Emeritus of the UNC Board of Trustees.
“I believe deeply in the promise of UNC-CH and what it means for North Carolina,” said Russell.“To be inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece—and to join the ranks of giants from the School of Government like Mike Smith, John Sanders, Albert Coates, and Anita Brown-Graham—is a profound honor. Their commitment to service and leadership has shaped this state, and their example continues to inspire me every day. I’m humbled to carry that legacy forward and grateful to be part of a tradition that recognizes the power of public service to unite, elevate, and transform communities through Carolina’s work.”
Also this year, Russell received the Chancellor’s Award for Student Undergraduate Teaching, which honors outstanding faculty and teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in instruction and impact on student learning. The Student Undergraduate Teaching Awards were established to recognize outstanding undergraduate instruction by both faculty and teaching assistants. Teaching nominations are reviewed based on demonstrated and consistent teaching excellence, success in positively affecting a broad spectrum of students both in and outside the classroom, and the creation of a dynamic learning environment.
Russell was recognized for his work teaching State and Local Government (PUBA 401), a service-learning course placing undergraduate students in nonprofits and local governments across the state. In the class, students work with community partners to create policy briefs that address issues faced by the community. The course also serves as a gateway to public service careers: six of Russell’s former students have gone on to enroll in the UNC MPA program, and many now serve in local government leadership roles across the state.
One nomination for the award read, “Russell embodies the highest standards of undergraduate teaching excellence. Through his commitment to experiential learning, mentorship, career preparation, and fostering an inclusive and dynamic classroom, he inspires students to pursue meaningful careers in public service.”
In May, Russell received an award from Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) or top influencers in local government. ELGL is a national organization that celebrates innovation in local government. The award honors public sector professionals making a difference in their communities and who demonstrate joy, creativity, connection, dependability, and equity through their work and public activities. Russell was one of three honorees from UNC, alongside UNC MPA alumnus Pat Madej and PELA graduate Jonathan Russell.
About Dylan Russell
Dylan Russell joined the School as a teaching assistant professor in May 2025. He serves as the faculty co-lead of Lead for North Carolina at the UNC School of Government. Lead for North Carolina facilitates high-impact fellowships for recent graduates in local government throughout the state. Under Dylan’s leadership, Lead for NC has connected over 150 young leaders with fellowships and secured over 10 million in funding to support these initiatives. Dylan’s research explores strategies for workforce development, talent retention, and institutional capacity in government organizations.
James Quackenbush embarked on his Master of Public Administration (MPA) journey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in January 2020. With a two-decade-long career in law enforcement, he sought to broaden his understanding of public service beyond policing. Initially enrolled in an emergency management program at Arizona State University, he transitioned to UNC’s MPA program, drawn by its practical and comprehensive approach to public administration.
At the time, Quackenbush was serving as a lieutenant in Portland, Oregon. He later moved to Boise, Idaho, and eventually settled in Washougal, Washington, where he currently serves as the police chief.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, he noted, “I went from a 1,200 to 1,500 full-time employee agency, to 400, to now I’m down to like 30.”
This progression to smaller agencies provided him with unique insights into the varied operations of different municipalities.
Balancing full-time work with academic commitments, Quackenbush opted for a slower pace in his studies, typically taking one class per semester.
He emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, ” I feel like I was able to really, truly absorb and really dive into the information.”
This method allowed him to apply his coursework directly to his professional responsibilities, enhancing his capabilities in areas such as budgeting, staffing models, and capital projects.
Quackenbush found that the MPA program’s curriculum was highly applicable to his work.
He remarked, “I’m hard pressed to think of something that I didn’t find a way to tie into the work that I was doing.”
The skills he acquired made him a valuable asset in administrative roles, leading to increased responsibilities and recognition within his field.
Among the courses he took, the budgeting classes stood out as particularly impactful. He also appreciated the law class, which expanded his knowledge beyond criminal law to include personnel law and collective bargaining: areas crucial for effective management. Quackenbush credited professors like Chris Cody for their support and expertise, noting Cody’s willingness to assist students and his proficiency in guiding them through complex concepts.
Participating in an immersion experience focused on economic development further enriched Quackenbush’s education.
He valued the opportunity to collaborate with peers in person, stating, “It was just great to be in a room with everybody.”
This experience, along with hybrid classes, enhanced his engagement with the program and provided practical applications of his studies.
For prospective students, Quackenbush advises prioritizing self-care and maintaining a manageable workload.
He suggests, “I would encourage making sure you’re taking care of yourself and keeping things balanced.”
This approach, he believes, allows for a deeper understanding of the material and a more meaningful educational experience.
Quackenbush’s journey through the UNC MPA program exemplifies the integration of academic learning with professional practice. His commitment to public service and continuous growth underscores the value of lifelong learning in enhancing one’s ability to serve and lead effectively in the public sector.