Professor Leisha Dehart-Davis hosts 10th year of her ‘HR Firedrills’ class assignment alongside alum Eric Peterson.

For the tenth year, UNC MPA students in PUBA 723: Human Resource Management stepped into the role of public sector leaders during the HR Fire Drills exercise, a high-intensity simulation designed to test their ability to navigate complex personnel challenges. This hands-on experience was judged by Katherine Cathey, Person County Manager; Bob Hornik, Hillsborough Town Attorney; Jen Della Valle, Hillsborough Administrative Services Director and UNC MPA alum; Duane Hampton, Hillsborough Police Chief and UNC MPA alum; and Matt Efird, Hillsborough Assistant Town Manager.

Students were evaluated on their ability to exchange information, operate under pressure, assess various approaches, guard against confirmation bias, and analyze the broader implications of HR decisions on an organization. Each team assumed the role of a management team, making strategic decisions for the scenarios presented.

UNC MPA alum and Hillsborough Town Manager Eric Peterson first introduced the HR Fire Drills through UNC’s ICMA student chapter. Recognizing the value of this exercise, he collaborated with Dr. Leisha DeHart-Davis to formally integrate it into the PUBA 723 syllabus. Peterson developed the exercise based on real-world HR challenges he encountered throughout his career, aiming to prepare students for the complexities of public sector personnel management. Dr. Dehart-Davis described the Drills as giving “MPA students a sense of how challenging public sector HR can be.”

The HR Fire Drills challenged student teams to tackle real-world workplace scenarios, including addressing workplace violence, handling discrimination allegations, and determining the next steps for an employee on probation. Each team was required to assess the situation, weigh potential consequences, and present their decisions to a panel of experienced professionals. After presenting their recommendations, students received valuable insights and feedback from the judges, who shared how these situations had played out in real life. This allowed for a dynamic discussion on alternative approaches, best practices, and the complexities of HR decision-making in the public sector.

Current MPA student and HR Fire Drills group winner Rachel Wooster described the experience as “a great opportunity to understand how a manager would handle difficult (but common) HR situations. It was extremely helpful to hear different perspectives on addressing such challenges.” She also highlighted the strong sense of community and alumni connections within the UNC MPA program, which provides invaluable opportunities like this. Wooster, along with teammates Noah Champion, Javier Limon, and Josie Zakrzewski, proudly took home this year’s trophy.

By simulating the high-stakes decision-making process of HR professionals, the HR Fire Drills continue to equip UNC MPA students with critical thinking and leadership skills essential for managing real-world personnel issues in the public sector. The exercise not only reinforces the importance of sound judgment and ethical decision-making but also provides students with firsthand experience in handling complex, high-pressure situations. Through direct engagement with experienced public administrators, students gain deeper insights into the nuances of HR management, preparing them to navigate challenges they will face as future leaders in government and nonprofit organizations. This hands-on approach reflects UNC MPA’s commitment to blending academic rigor with practical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to lead and serve in diverse public administration roles.