By Hattie Lecka
As student interest in public service careers continues to grow at UNC-Chapel Hill, the School of Government is responding with a new academic pathway designed to prepare undergraduates for the work ahead. Beginning in fall 2026, the Law, Government, and Public Service Minor will give students a rigorous, practice-grounded foundation in the legal frameworks and institutional structures that shape how government and nonprofit organizations serve the public.
The program—taught by School faculty Dylan Russell, Chuck Szypszak, Jacqui Greene, and Shea Denning — is open to students across all majors and disciplines, whether they are considering law school, careers in public administration, or simply want to better understand how government affects everyday life. Faculty member Bill Rivenbark, who helped lead the creation of the minor, answers questions below about what inspired it, how it is structured, and what it means for the next generation of public leaders.
What inspired the creation of the Law, Government, and Public Service Minor at this moment in time?
Our aim is to fill a gap among UNC’s current minors, which are not specifically focused on understanding and analyzing the laws and structures that support government and nonprofit organizations. At the same time, strong student demand is clear: each year, our undergraduate course in State and Local Governance maintains a waiting list, reflecting growing interest in public service careers. This minor gives students a deeper understanding of how government and public-serving institutions work and knowledge that is valuable across a wide range of careers.
How does this program reflect UNC’s broader mission of public service?
UNC’s mission is to serve as a leading global public research university, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and public service. This minor aligns directly with that mission by preparing students to engage thoughtfully and effectively in public service, while also supporting the School of Government’s goal of strengthening state and local government across North Carolina.
How would you describe this minor to students who may not have initially considered careers in government or public service?
This minor is designed not only for students interested in law school, graduate programs in public administration or public policy, or careers in public service, but also for those who are undecided. It’s intended to be versatile. It gives all students valuable insight into how government and nonprofit systems operate, and how these systems affect their communities and professional fields.
How is the minor structured, and how do the courses work together to shape the student learning experience?
The minor requires 15 credit hours of permanent-numbered undergraduate coursework. Students complete two core courses that establish the essential foundations of the program, then choose three electives—at least one of which must be coded “GOVT” in the course registration system—allowing them some flexibility to tailor the experience to their interests.
Students come away with an understanding of the basic sources and structures of law, from constitutional and statutory law to case law, and they learn how to craft, analyze, and evaluate legal arguments. The curriculum also helps students apply theories that explain how government and nonprofit organizations meet public needs and how they interact at the local, state, and national levels.
How do School of Government faculty bring real-world public service experience into the classroom?
Our faculty engages in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and strengthen state and local government. They bring extensive practical experience to the classroom. They offer annual trainings, publish books and reports, and advise public officials throughout North Carolina. This allows them to teach both the theory and practice of public service, giving students insight into how government and nonprofit organizations operate in real-world contexts.
What impact do you hope this minor will have on the next generation of public leaders?
The minor is designed to help undergraduates develop the aims to prepare students with the core skills and knowledge needed to become future public service leaders. By developing their ability to analyze complex issues and understand how institutions operate, the program equips graduates to take on public-facing roles and contribute effectively to government and nonprofit organizations. We hope this minor prepares graduates to lead with a strong understanding of how to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The UNC School of Government is proud to celebrate the recognition of its Master of Public Administration program in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings.
Now in its 29th year, the UNC-Chapel Hill MPA has earned a 20th-place national ranking, placing it among the top public affairs graduate schools. The program’s strengths go beyond its overall ranking. UNC MPA maintains its prestigious second-place national ranking in the local government management specialty area—a position that demonstrates deep, longstanding expertise in one of the program’s signature disciplines. The program also increased its standing to 9th in the nation in public management and leadership and 15th in public finance and budgeting, moving up one and three spots, respectively.
These results recognize the program for its consistent performance at an elite level overall and across a range of critical specialty areas in public affairs education.
“We are honored to see the UNC MPA program recognized among the nation’s best public affairs programs. These rankings reflect the dedication of our faculty, students, alumni, and partners—whose commitment to public service excellence continues to elevate our program,” said Willow Jacobson, UNC MPA director. “The work of our faculty truly shapes the field of public administration in both theory and practice, and our students and alumni live our mission of being outstanding public service leaders.”
The rankings, released April 7, 2026, assess programs in the School of Government and the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Public Policy.
This year’s list saw many UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs receive high rankings.
Find all of the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings online.
Join us for our UNC MPA General Information Session to learn more about our program including our curriculum, student experience, and the wide range of career paths our graduates pursue. This session provides prospective students with an inside look at our supportive community, engaged faculty, flexible and customizable program options, and the co-curricular and professional development resources that help our students thrive. Whether you’re just beginning to explore graduate study or considering your next step in public service, this is a great opportunity to discover how the MPA can help you achieve your career goals.
In this pre‑recorded Career Spotlight conversation, Allison Binkley and Shauna Hines‑Farmer, shared insights into career development, employer engagement, and the many ways the UNC MPA career team supports students as they prepare for impactful public service careers.
This career‑focused session offered prospective students an inside look at the MPA curriculum, career outcomes, and the supportive community that defines the program. Whether exploring graduate study or considering the next step in public service, viewers gained a clearer understanding of how the UNC MPA prepares graduates for meaningful and versatile careers.
MPA Information Sessions are online admissions events for prospective students to learn more about our MPA program at UNC. Topics we cover usually include the MPA vs. other degrees, our concentration areas, career and program outcomes, and which format (online or oncampus) is the best fit for you.
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