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Former School of Government faculty member David Ammons, Albert Coates Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and Government, has authored a new publication. Published in May 2025, Improving Local Government Performance through Benchmarking describes the two types of benchmarking used by local governments—metrics benchmarking and best practice benchmarking—and cites examples and lessons learned across the nation and around the globe, including prominently lessons from the North Carolina Benchmarking Project.

Below, Ammons answers questions about the inspiration behind writing this book, expands on the complex nature of benchmarking for governments, and more.

“I have been engaged in benchmarking projects throughout most of my career, including 25 years as a faculty advisor to the North Carolina Benchmarking Project. From experience and study, I have come to recognize and appreciate an array of considerations that shape the design of a benchmarking project and important issues that can affect its success. Writing this book was my opportunity to share what I have learned from my own research and experience, and from the research of other scholars in this field.”

“Several aspects of benchmarking are not fully understood by many governments, but here I will mention two big ones. First, when done properly, benchmarking focuses on performance, not community or organizational characteristics or policies. A comparative inventory of characteristics or policies is not really benchmarking. Second, metrics benchmarking—the most common type of benchmarking in local government and the one most people think of—is not their only choice. Best practice benchmarking is an excellent choice as well.”

“Many decisions are made, initially, in selecting a benchmarking type and, subsequently, in designing a benchmarking project without full consideration of the ramifications of those choices on the ultimate success of the project. Reading this book will help remove these blind spots.”

What are the two major types of benchmarking used by governments, and does one have advantages over the other?

“Most people are familiar with metrics benchmarking, the most common type in local government. Metrics benchmarking is a superb tool for diagnosing a department or program’s performance strengths and weaknesses. But if a manager or supervisor wants prescriptions for improving their unit’s performance, metrics benchmarking won’t do that. Best practice benchmarking will.”

On a Monday morning in March, School of Government faculty member Kara Millonzi prepares to lead more than 50 public officials in a weekly ritual she calls “Finance Office Hours.” It is a time she and her colleagues set aside each week for the last five years—or sometimes every other week—to pull together the public finance officers working in local and state governments across North Carolina via Zoom.

These are not your average office hours for a university professor. For starters, everyone participating is a professional, most of them have their camera off, and while Millonzi’s tone is upbeat and helpful and her information is designed to be accessible to students, the content is dense and loaded with acronyms, technical language, and slides. And it comes on the heels of North Carolina’s worst and most expensive natural disaster: Hurricane Helene.

County and municipal government employees were on the front lines of this disaster and continue to work the front lines of the recovery effort. A December 2024 report by the Office of State Budget and Management noted that two keys to success in storm recovery are “1) quickly mobilizing significant, flexible capital and (2) proactively investing in local capacity and expertise to support post-disaster efforts.”

It’s the “significant, flexible capital” part that Millonzi has been working on lately after nearly two decades advising North Carolina’s local governments in the areas of public budgeting and finance. In addition to helping them shore up their financial reserves, access state and local disaster recovery funds, and balance their budgets, Millonzi provides a safe place for peer learning and for encouragement during a difficult time in their profession, when local government balance sheets might not look great because of cash flow issues due to Hurricane Helene.

“Kara’s deep expertise, combined with her approachability, made office hours a lifeline that local governments relied upon week after week,” said Lacy Pate, director of disaster recovery and grant assistance with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

Finance office hours took off as a resource for North Carolina’s public officials during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, bringing finance professionals together with School of Government faculty to navigate urgent legal and practical challenges related to the pandemic.

Millonzi was an early adopter of Zoom at the School and used the tool to set up meetings when it was impossible to gather in person. Participants discussed executive orders, such as those that temporarily stopped collections from residential public utility customers, and financial tools like small business revolving loan funds, to help local governments support their communities during a tough time.

By 2022, finance office hours had evolved into a platform for understanding the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a program authorized by former President Joe Biden and designed to deliver $350 billion to state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support recovery from the pandemic.

As with most federal funding, compliance standards were plentiful, and many North Carolina local governments—especially those with few staff members or simply inexperienced in working with federal funding—were in need but intimidated by the challenges they faced in accessing the funds. “Because SLFRF is administered by the U.S. Treasury, which is not a typical grant-making agency, local governments needed expert guidance, as well as peer collaboration and support,” said Pate.

Five years later, Millonzi and her colleagues are still leading weekly virtual office hours to provide up-to-date guidance on complex and shifting federal funding requirements, particularly on those related to disaster relief. The office hours help School faculty and others better understand issues facing different communities, and the information shared on these calls helps Millonzi be responsive to public officials and target the resources she’s creating for local governments.

“Office Hours provides the unique opportunity to overlay the federal guidelines with state statutes and requirements,” said Maria Standfest, a grants/project analyst with New Hanover County’s finance department. “What we learned early on is that just because Treasury says we can use SLFRF funds in certain ways, it doesn’t mean that it’s allowable in the state of North Carolina.”

“It’s hard to believe that we have had access to such a wealth of information at no cost,” added Standfest.

In September 2024, Millonzi and her colleagues quickly adapted office hours to address Helene-related concerns, demonstrating the value of real-time problem-solving and peer support.

“Our region is rural and many of the local governments we serve are small,” said Cory Osborne, director of economic recovery and resilience with High Country Council of Governments, serving Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties, all of which are located within Hurricane Helene’s FEMA-designated disaster areas.

“The calls after Helene have been a great resource for us,” said Osborne. “Most of my department’s work shifted after the storm to helping local governments with the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program. Navigating the PA program is challenging and complex. Alongside complying with FEMA regulations, local governments also must follow procurement requirements and statutory requirements on how they handle funding,” he added.

Osborne noted that the recurring support and knowledge the School offers has helped High Country Council of Governments navigate financial complexities. Knowing experts are easily reachable has been a comfort to employees and the communities they serve.

Finance officers from coastal North Carolina communities—many of whom have previous experience with hurricane recovery—also provided comfort, insights, and tips on these calls for their peers in western communities that were devastated by Hurricane Helene and in urgent need of federal funding.

Over time, the focus of finance office hours has broadened to cover general local government law and finance. While each government has its own challenges unique to their circumstances, they face many issues in common—an urgent need for a pipeline of employees trained in public finance, lack of training in navigating federal funding requirements, and not enough staff.

“Within the calls themselves, there’s wonderful information shared between local governments,” said Standfest. “Many times, questions are shared with the group and other units are able to answer them or offer their own experiences. They share obstacles they’ve encountered, solutions they’ve found, and recommendations for others.”

Office hours also foster collaboration between School faculty, local governments, and organizations such as the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, regional Councils of Government, and state agencies. It has been particularly helpful to address hot topics and emerging issues.

“There is always a dedicated group of officials seeking guidance and sharing insights to support one another. It has become a community, where we all learn from each other, share with each other, and sometimes commiserate with each other,” said Millonzi. “I look forward to it every week.”

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.

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.

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.

Graduates of the UNC Master of Public Administration program gathered Saturday, December 14 to celebrate commencement. Friends, faculty, and staff convened to honor the 16 graduates as they begin the next phase of their public service journey.

During the ceremony, graduates were hooded and pinned by UNC MPA Director Willow Jacobson. In her remarks, she congratulated her former students on their successful completion of the program and urged them to remain passionate in their pursuit of public service—a hallmark trait of UNC MPA graduates.

“Congratulations to the Master of Public Administration graduates. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for public service have brought you to this momentous achievement,” she said. “The mission of the MPA program is ‘to prepare public service leaders and create useable knowledge that improves governance.’ The leaders graduating today join an amazing alumni base that continues to have meaningful and impactful change in the organization and communities in which they work. We are incredibly proud of you and excited to see the remarkable contributions you will make in the future.”

Read about two of our recent graduates – Madeline Milligan and William Summer as they tell us about their post-graduation plans and how the MPA has helped shape their career.

Connect with MPA alumni, students, faculty, and staff for drinks, lite bites, and great conversation in Winston-Salem for our annual Happy Hour Hub held in conjunction with the NCCCMA Winter Seminar.

After a summer state government internship and a waste audit, Brianna Beadle is back to studying public administration.

By Joshua McCormack, University Communications, Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University, Beadle took time off to work in the Florida Student Power Network, where she serves as part of their advisory board. She is now in Chapel Hill pursuing a dual master’s degree in public administration with the UNC School of Government and the city and regional planning department in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Despite the intense workload a dual master’s degree entails, Beadle was not interested in having a quiet summer. Instead, she spent most of her time interning with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

“It was my job to research composting across the state and find how recycling can feed into our economy,” Beadle said. “I would talk to individuals at composting recycling facilities and ask how they believed they were affecting their community.”

Beadle says it was eye-opening to see how political machinations and cynicism among state residents influenced either a negative or indifferent response to composting in many communities. Certain projects, however, reminded her of the positive impact composting can have.

“I worked on a waste audit at the department’s building where we implemented a composting bin and then analyzed a day’s worth of trash,” Beadle explained. “We found out that after implementing the bin, we had reduced waste in the building over the summer.”

Beadle was also inspired by the hard work of the department’s team. When she wasn’t gathering statistics or doing field site visits to different North Carolina counties, she sat in on meetings listening to individuals talk about making a difference.

“One of the most impactful things was when I got to do a Q&A with the DEQ secretary Elizabeth Biser,” Beadle said. “Just having someone at her level say, ‘Hey, there’s a future for you on this career path’ was really important.”

Biser and others have provided inspiration for what Beadle can do after her time at Carolina. She has developed a passion for state government and believes this summer’s experience with the DEQ gave her an understanding of how environmentalism is feasible in our economy.

“I learned so much about how our climate and economy are intertwined,” Beadle said. “I’d love to have a role in telling people how renewable energy is feasible and how to embrace composting. I want to let people know there’s a way to slowly transition to better resources for our environment.”

This year at Carolina, Beadle is looking forward to expanding her knowledge in housing and community development. She will also serve as president of the MPA’s Diversity Committee, in which she hopes to showcase different career opportunities in public administration that celebrate diversity.

No matter what Beadle accomplishes during her time here at Carolina or in the years that follow, there can be no doubt that her work will be for the betterment of the community.

As the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill welcomes back faculty, staff, and students to campus, the School of Government’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is busy at work welcoming new and returning students. With summer entering the rearview mirror, the School decided to check in with Dean Aimee Wall and MPA faculty to find out what they listened to and read to keep learning and engaged during the summer—right as they kick into a new academic semester.

Ricardo S. Morse, Professor of Public Administration and Government

“I’ve been really enjoying Simon Sinek’s ‘A Bit of Optimism’ podcast. He is an innovative thinker and great communicator and the conversations on his podcast always leave me with much food for thought.

“A highlight from this summer was a two-episode conversation with Adam Grant and Brené Brown, two scholars who have influenced my own work and for whom I have a lot of respect.”

C. Tyler Mulligan, David M. Lawrence Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government

“I had some long drives to summer conferences and training programs, so I took the opportunity to discover some new podcasts. Bloomberg’s ‘Odd Lots’ podcast lured me in with an interview about a possible solution to the housing crisis—the recommendation turned out to be a federal guarantee of subordinated construction loans for housing, and I geeked out on details about the secondary debt market.

“Another podcast in the same vein is ‘Capitalisn’t’ with smart interviews conducted by a University of Chicago Business School professor and a business reporter. That podcast hooked me with an in-depth look at globalization.

“Finally, a little closer to home, I’ve enjoyed listening to interviews of North Carolina economic development professionals on the ‘The New Economic Developers on the Block.’”

Kimberly L. Nelson, Professor of Public Administration and Government

“I love to listen to the podcast ‘Stuff You Should Know’. It focuses on random topics that the hosts research and discuss. It could be history, science, or pop culture topics.

“Another listen was ‘American Scandal’. It is a history podcast that describes events such as government or corporate corruption cases.

“Trust is a Pulitzer Prize-winning fictional work that is difficult to describe. The story is told through four other fictional books about the life of a billionaire and his wife. The novel-within-a-novel concept is different from anything I’ve read before.”

Charles Szypszak, Albert Coates Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government

“I’m currently reading three books, alternating among them. I am studying David Crowley’s Warsaw. Crowley is a professor of visual culture. I just returned from a work visit to Warsaw and was amazed by how much has changed since I was last there several years ago, and especially by how well it is blending modern development with a preserved sense of history.

“I mostly switch back and forth between this book and Yaz: Baseball, the Wall, and Me, an autobiography by Boston Red Sox star Carl Yastrzemski. When I was young, I was not a Red Sox fan, but growing up in a Polish-speaking household I heard of “Yaz” and he is often mentioned as a great player. Yaz grew up on a potato farm on Long Island and is known for the way he intensely practiced and mastered the fine points of fielding and hitting. I am mostly curious to hear how he described his challenges and successes.

“The third book is Richard Brzezinski’s Polish Winged Hussar, about calvary tactics of legendary warriors known for the “wings” worn on their backs, because I continue my interest in military history and tactics.

Aimee N. Wall, Dean

“I recently finished reading The Women by Kristin Hannah. The story’s focus on the friendships shared among women—in this instance, American women who served in Vietnam during the war—was incredibly moving and made me want to celebrate the many women in my life who have lifted me up and made me laugh.

“For podcasts, I really enjoyed ‘The Rest is History’, which offers bite-size history lessons and discussions, all with lovely British accents!”

Join David Yokum, JD, PhD, North Carolina’s Chief Scientist in the Office of State Budget & Management and Professor of the Practice and Director of The Policy Lab at UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Data Science & Society, who will lead a panel discussion about AI’s current landscape as it relates to the policies and programs in public service and local government.

UNC MPA is excited to welcome 64 new students in fall 2024—with 29 joining the on-campus format and 35 enrolling in our online format. These students hail from Washington State to Washington D.C., representing different interests and academic backgrounds and professional goals.

They are unified in their pursuit for an excellent education among like-minded leaders who are committed to impacting communities, governments, and organizations that serve the public for the better. Meet a few of them below!

Undergrad Degree and Alma Mater: BA in Public Health, with a major in Food Systems, Nutrition and Health and University of Washington

Areas of Interest: Food and Environmental Policy, rooted in social and racial justice

Q: Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career goals?

Over the past decade, I have been on a path of public service that has continually evolved, from owning a restaurant and serving community members to serving as a food educator with AmeriCorps and teaching kids how to grow and cook the food from the school garden. Next, I would find myself farming, learning regenerative practices, and working to reconnect to the land and my body. This path brought me to the local food bank in Bellingham, WA, where I would serve on the Board of Directors for the past two years, serving the community and trying to discover how we can better meet the needs of the people who use us a resource. All of these steps along the way were driven by relationship building, learning, and hearing one another’s journey. These experiences helped to reconstruct my focus and illuminate a new path forward, focusing on my goal of policy reform and having a seat at the table to imagine how we can deconstruct and reestablish policies that better serve the communities they are trying to impact. Gaining an MPA will help prepare me with the tools necessary to help facilitate, lead, and construct the change I’d like to see and will prepare me to be a public service leader and beyond.

Q: There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?

I appreciate that Carolina’s MPA program has a focus on local government. To me, local government is where a lot of policy and programming gets to be practiced and implemented firsthand. Being involved with the public sector on a local level gives you the opportunity to have relationships with the community you serve and allows for more robust interventions and systemic change, identifying gaps and working together to bridge the change that’s needed. UNC’s dedication to the state and local government will give me the required knowledge and help illuminate each sector’s nuances, privileges, and barriers. Carolina will build my confidence around scalability and prepare me to help our systems better reflect the city and the people we serve.

Q: Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to in the program?

I’m looking forward to getting to know our cohort and professors. One thing that stood out about the MPA program was how tight the cohort size was. I’m excited to develop my relationships with everyone, dive into discussions, and learn from one another.

I’m currently reading What It Takes to Heal: How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World by Prentis Hemphill.

Undergrad Degree and Alma Mater: Bachelors in Economics and Sociology from Elon University

Current job title/Employer: Workforce and Economic Development Administrator at Forsyth County Government

Areas of Interest: Public-private partnerships, strategic planning in local government

Q: Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career goals?

In undergrad I studied systemic social and economic disadvantages and often saw the public sector as a solution to those issues through policy revision and assistance programs, but only when led and managed effectively. In my current role, I collaborate with many businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits around helping the private sector find a talented workforce, ensuring jobs in our community are accessible through training programs, and that wrap-around supports are adequately funded and meeting the needs of their target population. I regularly make and see decisions around funding, policy language, and eligibility criteria that can determine a program’s success in helping the community. Earning an MPA will enhance my ability to affect change in my current community, hone my professional interests and talents to learn where I can be the most effective leader, and help me develop the skills and resources necessary to succeed in a variety of settings.

Q: There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?

When working with County management on a new project or issue, one of the first questions our leadership asks is “What does the School of Government have to say about that?” I have frequently seen the School of Government serve as the preeminent expert on local government leadership and policy in North Carolina. It is clear this institution and program understands the importance of, continually invests in, and stays committed to public servants. I have been fortunate to find a variety of mentors in my organization and across my community whose perspective and dedication to public service I deeply admire, all of whom have received their MPA from Carolina. From my current director calling a former faculty member to get his advice on legal housing solutions, to classmates of a former County manager attending his retirement celebration, the relationships I am looking forward to building in this program will go beyond graduation and shape my career for years to come.

Q: Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to in the program?

I am most looking forward to the applied research problem! There are many topics in my day-to-day work I want to dive deeper on and can’t wait to have that opportunity with the expertise of scholars and other practitioners.

Recently my music has been a rotation of Lord Huron, Maggie Rogers, and the new Glass Animals album. I just finished reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and am in the middle of Real Americans by Rachel Khong.

Civilian Job Title: Federal Police Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs, United States Army Reserves Seargant First Class (SFC)

Areas of Interest: Military Police & Anti-Terrorism/ Force Protection Advisor

Q: Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career goals?

My earliest memories are of my parents’ selfless service to others, which sparked a desire in me to serve others from a young age. My experience in the U.S. Army and law enforcement has not only deepened this commitment but also ignited a passion for public service leadership. With an Master’s in Public Administration (MPA), I aim to become a skilled leader prepared to apply policy that effectively addresses complex issues in public service. My ultimate aspiration is to join the Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), where I can leverage my unique blend of military, law enforcement, and academic expertise to recommend and implement vital security policies that benefit both the private and public sectors.

Q: There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?

Easy question! Carolina has a rich history of public service and reputation of leadership excellence and policy. From the faculty to advisors, and even alumni- I am confident that I am among likeminded driven leaders who are committed to my academic and professional growth. The thought of being apart of a supportive and collaborative community, excites me as I look forward to the fall semester.

Q: Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to in the program?

Absolutely, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend Leadership Courses under Dr. Morse, an expert in Public Administration and Leadership and to be a part of the MPA Immersion experience. The immersion experience will provide a valuable opportunity to network and learn from seasoned professionals, who currently work in the government sector.

Currently, I’m reading The Serving Leader Jennings and Stahl-Wert (2016), which has been a really impactful book for me. I’ve only made it to the fourth chapter so far, but I’m already seeing a lot of relevance to my own leadership style and goals.

Undergrad Degree and Alma Mater: Bachelor of Arts in History, North Carolina State University

Current job title/Employer: Procurement Intern with the North Carolina Department of
Administration

Q: Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career
goals?

Throughout undergrad, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in public service and find
a way to better my community but I tossed around how. Following an internship with the City of Gastonia, I fell in love with local government work and discovered the MPA. After extensive research, I realized how versatile the degree is and how I could make a real impact on my community and others. Along with that, the degree itself will allow me to pursue a career where I feel fulfilled in the work that I am doing.

Q: There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?

After discovering that I wanted to pursue a career in government I began to research MPA
programs. When I saw that Carolina was ranked #2 in local government management it was the obvious choice. However, what sealed the deal for me was the community that I not only read about on student blogs and reviews of the program but also what I experienced at the MPA Open House. During this event, I was able to hear about the cohort community along with interacting with prospective students, professors, and some alumni. These interactions proved to me how engaged the community is at Carolina and how I wanted to be a part of it.

Q: Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to in the program?

From the outside looking in I am extremely excited about jumping into coursework while also getting to know the 2025 & 2026 cohorts. With my coursework, I am looking forward to taking some electives in economic development and potentially making it my concentration. One course I’m especially excited about eventually taking is Community Development and Revitalization Techniques with Professor Mulligan. This topic interests me especially because my county’s economic growth has been tepid for as long as I can remember and I would like to explore ways to potentially remedy that problem. Along with coursework, I am looking forward to the MPA Immersion and seeing how AI is going to potentially revolutionize public sector work.

This summer, I have slowly been reading “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn. I picked the book up both out of genuine curiosity and because it focuses on wiring a history from below, an area of historical writing that I find fascinating. Along with reading, I have been listening to both Elton John’s album “Madman Across the Water” and Rod Stewart’s album Every Picture Tells a Story on repeat.

The Fall 2024 MPA Immersion course will be led by Professor John Stephens. The topic will be ‘Exploration of Artificial Intelligence and Public Administration’. Immersions are weekend intensive learning opportunities for UNC MPA online and on-campus students which count for credit and require registration. All programming takes place at the School of Government, Knapp-Sanders building. Registration is through Connect Carolina. Contact Elizabeth Langefeld to get registered.

View this short video message about the course from Professor John Stephens.

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