Whether you were one of his students, a colleague, or a supporter of the UNC MPA program, you likely witnessed the impact of Carl Stenberg.
Carl mentored generations of MPA students, helping prepare them for careers in public service. His influence extended far beyond North Carolina: as a Fellow and former board chair of the National Academy of Public Administration, and through leadership roles in organizations like the American Society for Public Administration and the International City-County Managers Association, he helped shape the national conversation on public governance.
The Carl Stenberg Local Government Research and Professional Development Fund was established as a living tribute to Carl’s legacy. The fund empowers students to pursue hands-on experiences, research, and service that align with the values Carl embodied: leadership, scholarship, and a deep commitment to local government.
Today we invite you to make a gift to the Carl Stenberg Local Government Research and Professional Development Fund and support MPA students following the path that Carl helped so many discover.
When Atticus Graysmith entered the UNC School of Government program, he thought it would also be perfect for his mother, Nicole Graysmith.
By Josh McCormack, University Communications and Marketing
Many parents support their children’s academic goals at Carolina, but few join them on the journey.
Nicole Graysmith ’94 ’99 (JD) is doing just that, pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from the UNC School of Government alongside her son, Atticus.
What began as an offhand suggestion turned into a full-fledged family affair.
Atticus Graysmith, a 2024 NC State graduate, came to Chapel Hill to study information science at the UNC School of Information and Library Science. Passionate about community engagement, he decided to pair that with a master’s degree from the UNC School of Government.
After earning her law degree from Carolina, Nicole Graysmith worked as a legal aid attorney in the environmental justice field. A few years after becoming a mother, she switched to working for a family IT business while teaching and taking on nonprofit work.
When Atticus Graysmith enrolled in the MPA program, he saw how the curriculum would benefit his mom. Now, more than three decades after finishing her undergraduate studies in Chapel Hill, she’s enrolled as a Tar Heel yet again.
“Once Atticus got into the MPA program, he came to me and said, ‘Mom, I think this would be perfect for you,’” she said.
Though he encouraged his mom to consider public administration, he was surprised when she applied.
“At first I thought it was kind of crazy,” he said. “My mom already had a law degree. But once she explained to me why she wanted to do it and how she wanted to get back into full-time nonprofit work, it made sense to me. It also excited me because now I get to go on a journey with my mom.”
While the two share similar course loads, he takes classes on campus, and she, balancing work and other nonacademic responsibilities, studies remotely. Still, they connect over coursework and daily conversations.
“We’ve actually gotten to do some of the same assignments, and it’s been funny to hear how we tackled them differently,” Nicole Graysmith said. “One assignment we both had was to write a memo advising Gov. Stein on how to deal with problems at the DMV. Maybe I’m too wordy, but I wrote four pages, and I think Atticus wrote a page and a half.”
Nicole Graysmith said that while their differences sometimes make her laugh, she’s proud of her son’s ability to form his own opinions and ideas.
When asked about his mother’s perspectives on assignments, Atticus Graysmith’s response was more succinct.
“It’s alright,” he joked. “She’s wrong a lot of the time.”
Jokes aside, Atticus Graysmith is grateful to share this experience with his mom. It’s the latest chapter in a long family history with Carolina: Nicole Graysmith’s father and husband are both alumni, and her youngest daughter, Rosemary, is a first-year student. The family has also lived in Chapel Hill for years, mere minutes away from campus.
“We’re a Chapel Hill family,” Atticus Graysmith said. “It feels right that we’re all here, getting an education together.”
As an economic development specialist, Alyssa Blair Zimmerman is adding to their legacy of public service.
By Caroline Daly, University Communications and Marketing
Alyssa Blair Zimmerman is married to a U.S. Army veteran and comes from a family ingrained in public service.
Her dad served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 13 years and as a police officer for five. Her mom, her “biggest role model,” works for a Veterans Affairs hospice center.
Zimmerman, who will receive her Master of Public Administration degree at Carolina’s Winter Commencement ceremony Dec. 14, is carrying on that public service mission in her own way. She earned her degree from the UNC School of Government while working full-time as an economic development specialist for Franklin County.
“My mom puts her life and soul into her work and cares about her patients,” Zimmerman said. “It’s the same with me when I’m meeting with a small business owner who’s telling me their whole life story and why they’re doing what they do. They put their blood, sweat and tears into a business, and I’m going to do everything I can to help them succeed. I’m very passionate about local government and how that government continues to serve the community.”
Zimmerman graduated from UNC Greensboro in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science. Her studies helped her discover a love for policy and conflict management, something that inspired her to study abroad in Germany and South Korea. Then she decided to go to graduate school, earning a dual master’s degree from UNCG in peace and conflict studies and international development.
After graduating, Zimmerman interned for Special Olympics North Carolina, then worked for the City of Oxford as an executive administrative assistant, then a communications specialist and later a downtown development main street director.
In February 2024, Zimmerman took on her current economic development role, focusing on business recruitment and retention, and community and workforce development initiatives. She supports local businesses and economic development efforts in Franklin County, showing employers why it is an attractive place to grow.
“I’m very much community minded; I love people. So, for me, economic development isn’t necessarily about the businesses. It’s about the people behind the businesses,” said Zimmerman. “I would say my sweet spot is working with small businesses and local shops because hearing their stories is what motivates me to be better at what I do.”
Zimmerman said the MPA program takes a deep dive into the practical side of what she does each day and puts it into perspective of why government is very important. “The classes I enjoyed the most were leadership development and organizational theory of open government management. All my classes shaped my understanding and eagerness to continue forward with becoming a city manager or working in management in some type of fashion.”
Zimmerman hopes to use her new skills to become a city manager one day.
“The program has helped me feel more confident going into different situations and being able to handle a situation no matter what it is, whether it’s dealing with a business or with the public,” said Zimmerman. “I’ve also gained more knowledge in terms of North Carolina laws that the state uses, general statutes and what is expected of local employees.”
Wherever she goes, she’ll carry on the lessons learned from her family.
“That’s where I see my life having meaning and where I see the best place for me to raise my voice to help other people,” said Zimmerman. “My family has instilled public service in me since I was a kid. Now, it motivates me because I think the community deserves to have good public officials.”
by Katie Geith
The UNC Master of Public Administration program celebrates the kickoff of the first cohort of students to pursue their MPA degrees through “Service to Service”, a program connecting veterans and military families with education pathways and careers in public service. Launched in October 2024 by the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans, 12 schools were selected to be part of the program to recruit participants, provide networking opportunities and professional development, and facilitate job placement in state and local government upon graduation.
The UNC School of Government is uniquely positioned to set up the initiative for success. Nearly 15 percent of the School’s MPA student body are either active duty, veterans, or serving in the National Guard. Additionally, North Carolina has one of the largest military footprints in the United States, with over 89,000 active-duty personnel serving at bases across the state. With our mission of preparing public service leaders, our dedicated career services team, and 43 percent of our alumni network working in state or local government, the program is thrilled to be among the chosen schools for interested students.
UNC MPA’s inaugural cohort includes 12 new students, the largest cohort of all the University partners. The national cohort includes 40 students including military service members, retired veterans, and military dependents/spouses. An orientation was held in mid-September at the Ohio State University to kick off programming. Students were able to meet with each other, hear from a panel of other service members who transitioned into state and local government careers, and receive guidance from academic advisors on ensuring a smooth transition into graduate school.
Below, two participants in the program share their stories.
John Terziu
Why did you decide to join the Service to Service initiative?
Since retiring, my heart has been set on finding a way to keep serving, not just in theory, but in a way that lets me stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who share the same calling. Service to Service felt like the perfect opportunity to do exactly that: to be back among my brothers and sisters in arms, united by a common mission and a relentless drive to make a difference. This isn’t just a program for me; it’s a chance to live out my purpose again in the company of those who know what it means to sacrifice, lead, and serve.
What draws you toward a career in public service?
For me, the answer is simple: people. I believe deeply in helping people, lifting them up, solving their problems, and making their lives better. Public service gives me the chance to channel my energy and capabilities into something far bigger than myself. It’s about impact. It’s about using every ounce of energy I have to ensure that communities thrive, and people feel seen, heard, and valued.
What was orientation like in mid-September?
I walked into that room and immediately felt like I was surrounded by the highest caliber of people this world has to offer. Every single person was educated, driven, mission-focused, and deeply inspired. The air carried the weight of purpose. It reminded me of being back in uniform, where excellence was the standard and you could feel the energy of a team that refused to settle for less than greatness.
What are you most looking forward to during this experience?
The people, without question. To be surrounded by such highly intellectual, passionate individuals is an honor. But more than that, I look forward to being part of a team again that doesn’t allow differences to divide us. Instead, we embrace diversity as our strength. We come from different walks of life, with different beliefs and values, but at the end of the day, we are united by one thing: the mission. And when you bring that kind of unity and focus together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.
Erin Mathis
Why did you decide to join the Service to Service initiative?
I joined on a recommendation from Cara Robinson and Elizabeth Langefeld when I was first accepted to the UNC MPA program. Prior to that, I did not really know much about it.
What draws you toward a career in public service?
My experiences as a kid drive my interest in public service now. My father retired from an enlisted career in the Air Force when I was eight and did not work until I turned 16. My mother worked a minimum wage job. My mother suffered a debilitating injury at work, which left her permanently injured and unable to work. Due to the income reduction, my family qualified for free breakfast and lunch programs at school. I cannot overstate how much of a difference the free and reduced lunch program made for me. Now that I am older and in a very different situation financially, I want to play a role in ensuring that others are able to receive necessary assistance like I had.
What are you most looking forward to during this experience?
I am most looking forward to the opportunities to meet other people interested in public service who have different experiences than my own.
(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
Join Director of Admissions, Cara Robinson as she discusses our broad-based leadership degree and how it can support you starting, advancing, or transitioning your career. Special attention will be paid to discussing what the MPA is and who it’s for, our career and program outcomes, and how this degree fits with a lot of different interest areas.
Those considering the online and oncampus formats are invited, as we will be comapring the options.
As a new semester at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill kicks into full swing, the School of Government’s Master of Public Administration faculty and staff are busy at work welcoming new and returning students. With summer now behind us, the School decided to check in with Dean Aimee Wall and MPA faculty to find out what they listened to and read during the summer—right as they kick into the new fall semester.
Ricardo S. Morse, Professor of Public Administration and Government
“I finished a real page-turner of a book this summer called Left for Dead by Eric Jay Dolin. The subtitle kind of says it all; it is about ‘shipwreck, treachery, and survival at the edge of the world.’ It is a story that takes place in the Falkland Islands during the war of 1812, and the twists and turns it takes are one of ‘those real-life is stranger than fiction’ kind of stories.”
Kimberly L. Nelson, Professor of Public Administration and Government
“I have three books I have started recently. They are: Finding Grace, The Chain, and Getting to Yes. Two fun books and one workbook. I would describe The Chain as a crime thriller. I just started Finding Grace, so I can only say that it has a great beginning. I also recently finished a book titled, Who is Government? I would definitely recommend this book for MPA students. The author Michael Lewis uses a set of essays to highlight the importance of the work of the government bureaucrat. Reading this book validated my passion for public service.
Podcasts help me relax at night before going to sleep. I like history podcasts and true crime, particularly ‘American Scandal: The Plague of San Francisco’. The podcast tells the story of a bubonic plague outbreak in San Francisco in 1900 and how a young, early bacteriologist tries to stop it and is faced with a corrupt city government that hinders his efforts.”
Charles Szypszak, Albert Coates Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government
“I’m reading Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides, about a troubled family from South Carolina. I was reminded of the title while watching Ted Lasso. In the show, Ted asks others about their favorite books. His is The Fountainhead, which is one of my all-time favorites. A therapist for the team tells Ted that hers is The Prince of Tides. One interesting aspect of the book to me is the contrast of the author’s portrayal of the cultures of New York City and South Carolina.”
Aimee N. Wall, Dean
“I just finished reading Southern News, Southern Politics by Rob Christensen. The Daniels family and the Raleigh News and Observer serve as the anchors—but this book is really a fascinating study of the role of journalism in local, state, and even national politics. I learned a great deal about North Carolina politics and history. I came away with a long list of questions I need to investigate and rabbit holes I need to go down.”
Jeffrey Welty, Professor of Public Law and Government
“One book I’m reading now is Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. Much of the book is about housing, infrastructure, and how to make our great cities more affordable and more livable. It also examines the unintended consequences of zoning and development regulations—concerns that are as pertinent in Chapel Hill as they are in New York or San Francisco.”
Teshanee Williams, Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Government
“I listened to ‘Ear Hustle’, which is a podcast that shares daily realities of life inside prison and stories from people once they’ve gotten out. It was created inside San Quentin State Prison by visual artist Nigel Poor and formerly incarcerated men Earlonne Woods and Antwan Williams.
The episodes cover everything from the nuances of prison culture to the challenges of reentry, told in first-person narratives that are raw, empathetic, and often surprisingly funny. I enjoy listening to it because it brings attention to many unseen issues and raises awareness of the benefits associated with rehabilitation in prisons. The podcast’s stories, whether about cooking in a cell or facing parole hearings, offer a humanizing and eye-opening look at life during and after incarceration, showing resilience and the importance of second chances.”
This fall, the UNC MPA program welcomes 71 new students to the program. 31 are enrolled in the full-time on campus format and 40 are enrolled in the online format—which launched back in 2013 to accommodate working professionals across the country. Currently, the School of Government has 247 students enrolled across both formats of the MPA program.
Director of Admissions Cara Robinson says, “We are continuously thrilled with the level our new students are at. The public service mindset is palpable, and their contributions are already marked with leadership and commitment.”
UNC MPA enrolls students at all different points in their careers–from the 21-year-old recent graduate just starting their career to the 67-year-old retiree looking to reimagine their career in public service leadership/nonprofit work and give back to their communities. Several of our students are currently employed across the public sector and looking to gain leadership expertise and new skills. With interests in local, state, and federal government work to nonprofit organizations and even the private sector, students in the MPA program come packed with a variety of interest areas and goals. Approximately 65% of our new students come from different parts of North Carolina while the other 35% come from different parts of the country–as far west as Washington State and as far east as Washington, D.C. 19% of our new students are military affiliated.
We have interviewed four of our new students to find out more about them and why they’re pursuing the MPA degree. From environmental protection of sea turtles to public health collaborations between the private and public sectors, read more about our new students and where they’re going with UNC MPA.
Justin Guinta, oncampus format
Sarah Marzouk, oncampus format
The North Carolina Benchmarking Project was established in 1995 to help municipalities compare their service and performance trends with other participating units. Each year, throughout August and September, partner municipalities submit performance and management data across eleven services to the University of North Carolina’s School of Government. The Benchmarking Project audits and uploads that data on a dashboard and invites participants to eleven performance strategy sessions in November to analyze data and discuss shared challenges and practices likely to resolve those challenges. The information from the strategy sessions and the dashboard is synthesized into annual reports.
Last year, the Benchmarking Project leveraged AI to manage report-development and data-auditing processes. The use of AI in these two tasks significantly reduced the hours spent on them, decreased the error rate, and strengthened the outcomes. This bulletin describes how the Benchmarking Project team adopted AI for that data auditing and report development. The team hopes that its experience will serve as an example for others thinking about leveraging AI to improve their processes.
Keegan Huynh, a special projects coordinator for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and Christopher L. Cole II, a project coordinator for the North Carolina Benchmarking Project, co-authored this bulletin.
Download (pdf, 438.33 KB)
Join Director of Admissions, Cara Robinson as she discusses our broad-based leadership degree and how it can support you starting, advancing, or transitioning your career. Special attention will be paid to discussing what the MPA is, who it’s for, our career and program outcomes, and how this degree fits with a lot of different interest areas.
This will be held online via zoom and is open to anyone considering the online or oncampus UNC MPA.