Investing in Future Public Leaders: The Power of MPA Program Support 

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, UNC MPA students are able to fully engage in coursework, leadership development, and professional experiences beyond the classroom. Several students recently shared how scholarships and other program support have opened doors for them throughout their MPA journey. 

Pictured: Andrea Brown at the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL. 

“Navigating grad school is daunting, but thanks to the financial and community support of MPA alumni, I have been able to travel to ICMA conferences while exploring different departments within local government I’ve never considered. I am forever grateful for these opportunities and look forward to using my knowledge to contribute to my community and beyond.” Andrea Brown, MPA ‘27 

Pictured: Molly Wells, second from the left, at the 2025 NC Economic Development Career Trek. 

“The scholarship gave me the freedom to fully engage in my MPA experience and take advantage of everything the program offers. Because of that support, I was able to explore work across government and nonprofit sectors, take classes that built practical skills and real-world problem-solving abilities, and learn from outstanding faculty and practitioners.” Molly Wells, MPA ‘26 

Pictured: James Broadwell, first from the left, at the Service to Service orientation. 

“I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to the UNC MPA program and its donors who consistently support MPA students through scholarship funding. The assistance I received created extremely valuable opportunities to connect with local government leaders and my peers, allowed more breathing room to focus deeply on my coursework, and strengthened my resolve to make every aspect of the program count. The more I maximize every day and course of the MPA program, the better prepared I will be to serve the public in my every public service role. The scholarship support has greatly reinforced that sense of purpose throughout my time in the program. It’s also pushed me to engage in opportunities like attending the NCCCMA Winter Conference, where I was fortunate to learn from a wide array of seasoned professionals in local government management. I’m certain that your support has positioned me far better in assuming public administration roles in the future, and I am extremely grateful to the program donors and staff for their generosity and encouragement.”  James Broadwell, MPA ‘26 

Pictured: Noah Champion at ICMA.    

“I want to thank the UNC MPA program and its donors who made scholarship support possible. Because of my scholarship, I’ve been able to truly thrive in the program, both inside and outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, I have been able to stay fully engaged in the course materials, go deeper on projects, and connect theory to the real challenges local governments face. Outside the classroom, scholarship support allowed me to take advantage of professional development and networking opportunities that have been just as meaningful to my growth. Through ICMA and NCCCMA, I have been able to connect with alumni and local government professionals and learn directly from people with first-hand experience. Those conversations have shaped how I think about leadership, management, and public service, and helped me better understand the opportunities and challenges I will face once I enter the workforce. I am incredibly grateful for this support and thank you again.”  Noah Champion, MPA ‘26 

Pictured: Ramiro Rios, third from the left, outside of ICMA. 

“Receiving a scholarship has made it possible for me to fully invest in my MPA experience without constantly worrying about financial strain. It has given me the freedom to pursue internships, attend professional conferences like NCCCMA, and build meaningful relationships with practitioners across North Carolina. As someone committed to a career in local government and public service, this support has allowed me to better focus on becoming the kind of leader our communities deserve.”  Ramiro Rios, MPA ‘27 

The opportunities students describe represent just a small part of the MPA giving story. Their stories show how meaningful support, whether through funding, mentorship, or access to hands-on experiences, can be in helping them grow and explore new paths. When students have the resources they need, they’re able to take on new challenges and build momentum that carries well beyond their time here. It’s inspiring to see how the right support helps them thrive.