Looking back: Graduates share memories about their time in the program
We asked some recent graduates of our online format about their most important memories of the MPA program and how this journey has impacted them.
Jack Peterson currently serves as the Director of the Member Experience for the National Association of Counties. Prior to joining NACo, Jack was a government relations associate for Urban Swirski & Associates and worked in multiple offices on Capitol Hill. Jack holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College, just north of Charlotte, and completed the UNC MPA online format in December of 2023. Jack currently lives in Chicago, IL.
Tina Bice resides in Winston-Salem and currently works as project manager for the Human Resources Division of Wake Forest University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and finished the online format of the MPA program at UNC in 2023.
Stephen Thompson is executive assistant to the President and CEO of the North Carolina Symphony. He lives in Raleigh and finished the online format of the MPA program at UNC in 2023. He has a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.
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Q: Looking back on who you were at the start of the program to who you are now, how have you changed?
A: “I’ve become a more thoughtful and strategic, forward-thinking person. The MPA program helped me move outside of my linear thinking patterns and consider the systems that create embedded problems and approaches we can take to change systems at the source to lead to better outcomes.” – Tina Bice, UNC MPA Alumna, Class of 2023
A: “This program really shaped my professional vision. I started this program with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. I didn’t know about many of the arts and culture programing performed by State and local governments in North Carolina and after my first year I switched to a concentration in Local Government with the goal of working for the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. My MPA Alumni mentor opened my eyes to the possibilities of local and state government arts program positions and after completing my PWE at the Cary Arts Center, with the Arts and Culture division of Cary Parks and Recreation Department I knew State/Local Cultural Resources was where I wanted to be. Additionally, the focus on real-world organizations and project presentations in the courses helped to give me confidence in my professional life.” – Stephen Thompson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
A: “Two aspects really stand out: first, the program really helped me build my management skills. Some of this was through the organizational theory and HRM courses, digging into discussions on organization structure and bias. These courses also gave me more tools to understand what colleagues and team members might be bringing to the table and how their work styles might differ from mine. Second, I feel much more connected to many experts in the field of public administration on whom I can rely for recommendations, advice, and guidance. This surprised me (since I work for an organization where I get to interact with public administrators daily), but the breadth and depth of leaders (both on faculty and in the student body) at UNC has really helped expand my knowledge and capacity.” – Jackson Peterson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
Q: What is one class, one project, one faculty member, one experience, one discussion, or some other aspect of our program that had an impact on you and proved to be meaningful in your professional life?
A: “My Applied Research Project (this is the final project or thesis substitute of the program) experience was incredibly valuable. I researched work characteristics among hybrid and remote staff members at U.S. colleges and universities that promoted organizational commitment (ultimately, information sharing across distances and clear, equitable performance management). I was able to apply my findings directly to the development of an institution-wide flexible work program at my place of work. We will be tracking the results of our program over the next few years to see its effects on retention and recruitment. UNC gave me the guidance I needed to engage in this research and the language to bring my findings to HR and university leaders.” – Tina Bice, UNC MPA Alumna, Class of 2023
A: “Public Service Leadership was a life changing course. I was skeptical going in, because I had held the fallacy that leadership is a trait, not a skill, however the focus on leadership skills which can help “non leaders” to learn how and “born leaders” to improve really spoke to me. I use concepts from that class weekly. In particular, my book club selection was Leading In Place, which is a professional development book I recommend everyone read, no matter your position in your organization. Mary Hemphill was my professor and her enthusiasm and genuine presence showed me what a leader looks and acts like.” –Stephen Thompson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
A: “The immersion courses – especially for online students – I could not recommend more highly. The topics may not always be exactly what you are interested in, but the chance to connect with your classmates and faculty in-person is very worth the time and financial investment the course requires. Plus, it is fun to be on campus for a couple of days, especially if you’re not based in NC!” – Jackson Peterson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
