Meet current student Rachel Wooster

Q: Hi Rachel! Where’s your hometown and alma mater?

A: I am from Raleigh, NC and went to Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

Q: What inspired you to pursue an MPA, and why did you choose UNC?

A: I have always had a passion for local government, and I noticed that many of the leaders and mentors I admired held MPAs. Having previously worked in local government, I found that UNC’s School of Government was an invaluable resource for my professional development. Additionally, UNC SOG played a crucial role in supporting the rural communities I served, which made it my top choice for my education.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background before joining the program?

I’ve had a relatively linear career trajectory, for better or for worse, LOL. I earned my undergraduate degree in public administration from Appalachian State University and then worked as a community and economic developer in Warren County, a rural area just north of Raleigh (the last county before Virginia). I later moved back to the western part of the state for an opportunity with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments as a Community and Regional Planner in Hickory, NC where I served a four-county region. There, I focused on rural capacity building, working on projects like long-range strategic and land use plans, public meeting facilitation, zoning and permitting, and supporting outdoor recreation initiatives. I’m also really lucky to have had great managers who empowered me to explore creative problem-solving and gain experience across various functions.

Q: What has been the most valuable course or experience in the UNC MPA program so far?

A: The UNC MPA program has truly allowed me to connect my passion for working in local government with the course concepts. I knew I was at the right school when my classmates and I would get together outside of class and find ourselves discussing a theory from class or a case from law. It not only helped me better understand the material (and be prepared for exams) but also gave me the opportunity to hear others’ perspectives and insights.

Q: How do you balance coursework with professional or personal commitments?

A: I currently work as program support with the Town of Chapel Hill while also being a full-time student. Balancing my schedule often comes down to setting lots of calendar reminders and prioritizing my immediate commitments for the week or day. The people in my cohort do a great job of creating opportunities for collaborative work, getting fresh air on walks, or doing something fun, like going to a play.

Q: What has been your favorite part of being in the UNC MPA community?

A: I’ve probably mentioned this a lot already, but the UNC MPA community is incredibly dedicated to supporting students in both their professional and academic goals. They go above and beyond to connect students with opportunities like mentorship, jobs, and the alumni network. It’s been really exciting to be surrounded by people who are just as passionate as I am about public service and helping communities.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering the UNC MPA program?

A: I would tell anyone considering the UNC MPA program that it truly lives up to what it advertises and more. If you’re looking for small class sizes, a highly involved alumni network, courses and opportunities tailored to your needs and interests, and have a passion for public service, you will thrive at UNC MPA. 

Q: Outside of your studies, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

A: I’m more of a hobby collector and tend to rotate through different hobbies and interests. However, my love for hiking has remained pretty consistent over the past couple of years. I’ve done quite a bit of hiking in North Carolina’s mountains, as well as out west in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. I’ll also be in Peru this summer to hike a part of Machu Picchu before my PWE.