Balancing the Badge and the Books: James Quackenbush’s Journey in Law Enforcement is Shaped with UNC MPA.

James Quackenbush embarked on his Master of Public Administration (MPA) journey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in January 2020. With a two-decade-long career in law enforcement, he sought to broaden his understanding of public service beyond policing. Initially enrolled in an emergency management program at Arizona State University, he transitioned to UNC’s MPA program, drawn by its practical and comprehensive approach to public administration.

At the time, Quackenbush was serving as a lieutenant in Portland, Oregon. He later moved to Boise, Idaho, and eventually settled in Washougal, Washington, where he currently serves as the police chief.

Reflecting on his career trajectory, he noted, “I went from a 1,200 to 1,500 full-time employee agency, to 400, to now I’m down to like 30.”

This progression to smaller agencies provided him with unique insights into the varied operations of different municipalities.

Balancing full-time work with academic commitments, Quackenbush opted for a slower pace in his studies, typically taking one class per semester.

He emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, ” I feel like I was able to really, truly absorb and really dive into the information.”

This method allowed him to apply his coursework directly to his professional responsibilities, enhancing his capabilities in areas such as budgeting, staffing models, and capital projects.

Quackenbush found that the MPA program’s curriculum was highly applicable to his work.

 He remarked, “I’m hard pressed to think of something that I didn’t find a way to tie into the work that I was doing.”

The skills he acquired made him a valuable asset in administrative roles, leading to increased responsibilities and recognition within his field.

Among the courses he took, the budgeting classes stood out as particularly impactful. He also appreciated the law class, which expanded his knowledge beyond criminal law to include personnel law and collective bargaining: areas crucial for effective management. Quackenbush credited professors like Chris Cody for their support and expertise, noting Cody’s willingness to assist students and his proficiency in guiding them through complex concepts.

Participating in an immersion experience focused on economic development further enriched Quackenbush’s education.

 He valued the opportunity to collaborate with peers in person, stating, “It was just great to be in a room with everybody.”

This experience, along with hybrid classes, enhanced his engagement with the program and provided practical applications of his studies.

For prospective students, Quackenbush advises prioritizing self-care and maintaining a manageable workload.

 He suggests, “I would encourage making sure you’re taking care of yourself and keeping things balanced.”

This approach, he believes, allows for a deeper understanding of the material and a more meaningful educational experience.

Quackenbush’s journey through the UNC MPA program exemplifies the integration of academic learning with professional practice. His commitment to public service and continuous growth underscores the value of lifelong learning in enhancing one’s ability to serve and lead effectively in the public sector.